[MCR] Howsons 18 Jul 11

[Public Mountain Conditions Report]

On a climb of the Middle Solitaire Peak (2400 m) today, we found so much 
snow that skis would have made sense from 1600 m on. There is no ice 
showing on the Solitaire Glacier. Travel was good. The final gully has a 
lot of snow in it which makes bypassing the bergschrund a bit awkward as 
the rock is wet and snow tongues encroach on it. The gully consisted of 
firm snow that allowed kicking steps without crampons. The main ridge 
has been socked in since we got here four days ago. I could briefly see 
a size 2.5 out of one of the Trident gullies. This may mean that the 
access to the N col of Howson still has avalanche issues. There was no 
freeze and no new snow at 2400 m, but quite a bit of rain. Both the Hut 
Creek and the Burnie River bridges are out, so a bit of wading will wake 
you up every morning. I hope to replace those bridges soon.

-- 
Christoph Dietzfelbinger
IFMGA/ UIAGM Mountain Guide - Bear Mountaineering and the Burnie Glacier Chalet
Qualified Avalanche Planner CAA
Box 4222	Smithers, B.C.		V0J 2N0	Canada
tel. 250-847-3351/ fax 250-847-2854
info at bearmountaineering.ca		www.bearmountaineering.ca