[MCR] Grays Peak, Kokanee Glacier Park

[Public Mountain Conditions Report]

Climbed Grays Peak yesterday via the north ridge and up the gully on 
that side (the one pictured on the Kokanee Beer labels).

There was a lot less snow above treeline than I expected on the approach 
route to the ridge.  Seemed more like normal for this time of the year.  
Still, there was plenty of running water for filling water bottles.  The 
final snow tongue to the summit fell short and we had to scramble 
carefully on lose dirt and scree.

The trail (route) through the bush lower down was more overgrown than 
what I've experienced on previous trips.  In the past, there was a more 
distinct path through the undergrowth.  The flagging Shaun King and I 
put in a couple of years ago has mostly disappeared, I found only one 
piece.  I suspect this route is not getting the use it once did.

I'll echo Shaun's comments from his MCR post last week about the access 
road, it was a bit rougher than usual although I didn't have any trouble 
getting my Subaru up to the parking lot.  When we got down in the 
afternoon, there was only overflow parking available. There were a 
number of cars parked down along the road.

It was a great sunny BC Day weekend for a climb.

Craig Hollinger,
ACMG Assistant Ski Guide.