[MCR] Polar Circus - Nov. 30th

[Public Mountain Conditions Report]

This is a few days old now, but on Friday Nov. 30th, myself and a friend
climbed Polar Circus.

*Route Conditions:* The route was in good, although wet conditions.  Not
much evidence of previous ascents, and lots of snow covered ice.  The
Pencil pitch is formed, but is still quite skinny with flowing water
visible inside.  We decided to walk around it.

*Snow/ Avalanche Conditions:* We found 40- 50 cm of snow on the slope
turning the pencil, and didn't note any shears, whumphing, cracking or
other signs of instability.  It seemed like there had been very little wind
in this area yet this year, so the snowpack felt relatively uniform with
not much in the way of hard slab development. However, this could change
quickly with new snow/ increased winds.

There was old avalanche debris in the gully between the Pencil and the
upper tiers that made for firm walking and was covered by ~ 5 cm of snow
indicating there had been some avalanche activity in the bowls above
earlier this season.

It's been snowing of and on this weekend in Lake Louise, and I'd imagine
the avalanche hazard in that area has risen.

Stay safe.

Ian Jackson
ACMG Aspirant Guide
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