[MCR] Columbia Icefields Area

[Public Mountain Conditions Report]

Spent the last two days in the Columbia Icefields area with a great group
from the U of A.

Extremely windy and warm conditions on Saturday scoured the upper
elevations and removed much of the spring storm snow.  The ridgetop weather
station on Parker Ridge (2100m) showed gusts up to 126 km/h!  As a result,
routes like the Skyladder and Silverhorn are showing lots of bare ice.  The
North face of Athabasca looks to have good snow in the lower half and icy
conditions up top.  Bergschrund is well filled in.  Glacier travel is very
good, and the snow line has crept up to about 2600m.  All in all, pretty
good fall climbing conditions in the Icefields right now.

Max Darrah
Alpine Guide