[MCR] Wapta Sept 26 - Oct 3

[Public Mountain Conditions Report]

Spent the past week on the Wapta at Bow and Peyto Huts with Thompson Rivers
University students.

 

The past week on the Wapta began with a huge rain event to peak top on
September 28th, causing flooding and mud slides.  A piece of the moraine
above the last flat section on the approach to Bow Hut collapsed and caused
a mud flow across the trail.  In several places the trail to Bow Hut has
been washed out, but the washed out areas are easily passable.   

 

One of our groups reported seeing two logs flowing down Peyto Creek on the
approach to Peyto Hut.  They turned around, and it is suspected that the
bridge across the creek on the approach to Peyto Hut has been washed
downstream.  Sounds like several parts of the approach trail to Peyto Hut
are washed out, and it is unknown how this affects the access to Peyto Hut
from Peyto Lake.

 

After the rain event, air temperatures did not drop below freezing through
October 3rd, but there was a good surface freeze every night on the rain
soaked snow surface.  This made for very easy travel on bare ice near the
toe of the glaciers, and on firm crusty snow everywhere else.  We enjoyed 5
days with hardly a cloud in the sky and perfect travel conditions.  On the
glaciers, caution is advised as many snow bridges across crevasses are
getting soft in the afternoon and it was common to put a foot through.  Wear
the rope!  Snow depth ranges from no snow on the ice below 2400 metres, to
areas with 140 cm to 190 cm up on the Wapta Icefield.  

 

Collectively we climbed Olive, St. Nicholas, Gordon, Rhondda, Habel, and
Thompson with numerous parties.

 

Alpine conditions are still very good.  Start early, and watch for
deteriorating snow bridges and rising avalanche / cornice fall / rockfall
danger in the afternoon.

 

Jordy Shepherd - Mountain Guide

Jeremy Mackenzie - Mountain Guide

Abby Watkins - Alpine Guide / Asst. Ski Guide

Chris Miller - Mountain Guide

Shaun King - Mountain Guide

 

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