[MCR] Watchtower Basin Unnamed 2600metres

[Public Mountain Conditions Report]

Jim and I up today into Watchtower Basin near Medicine Lake south 
east of Jasper. Skied up summer trail to upper creek in 2 hours.

Always looked at this nice NE low angle ramp that leads up to a 
2600ft summit on the true left side of the Basin. This peak forms the 
left side of Watchtower Basin. Upper slopes were low angle up to 25 
degrees and led down through a nice open bowl and boulder field and 
back to the creek. Most of the terrain is less than 20 degrees.
In general at treeline the snowpack is about 120-130cm....just enough 
to keep you floating!

Upper run is close to 700 metres and most of it was good skiing, 
until you get back down close to the creek. Some of the westerly or 
southerly slopes were sun crusted with sugary snow underneath. The 
summer trail had an old track in it which was better than we thought 
for coming down. Survival skiing for the last 200 metres of elevation.

We noted some localized whoomphs in some of the flatter shallower 
areas in the upper bowl.

Some of the S-SW aspects across from the parking area at Watchtower 
have released as well as some activity on the Medicine Lake Slabs.
Felt like winter up high....spring down in the trees.

This is a great trip, over 1000 metres elevation gain from the road 
and about 8 kms one way.
Probably best done a bit earlier in the season, and pick a good snow 
year! Certainly an aesthetic line and maybe a possible new classic in 
the Jasper area?



Peter Amann
Mountain Guiding
Box 1495, Jasper AB, T0E 1E0
780 852 3237
cell 780 931 2521
www.incentre.net/pamann/
pamann at incentre.net
amannpeterr at gmail.com 
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