[MCR] Gibraltar wall, Western rockies, Canal Flats area

[Public Mountain Conditions Report]

Hi all,

 

I guided an ascent of Gibraltar wall today December 23rd. We
had clear sky and temperatures between -11c and -3c. The wall is in
good early season conditions with as many as 4 different climbable lines.  The left head and right hand lines are in
better shape than the center lines. We ascended the climber’s right most line
which provided good protection and generally plastic ice. 


The ice on the wall was quite sun beat for this time of
year, perhaps a reflection of the locally dry and clear conditions in the last
few weeks.  The thin exit ice lenses,
which are overlying wet rock slabs, became quite unstable in the heat of the
day. It generated some spontaneous ice fall down onto the left hand and center lines;
the right hand line was significantly more protected. Due to the sun exposure
of this route, colder temperatures or cloudy conditions would have been useful.


The road is in good conditions; mainly compact snow with the
odd icy sections.  There is very little snow
on the ground in this area. 


Happy holidays!

 

David Lussier

Mountain Guide, IFMGA/ACMG

www.summimountainguides.com

 		 	   		  
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