[MCR] Balfour High Col

[Public Mountain Conditions Report]

Hello,

Just back from a 3 day Wapta traverse. Passage through the Balfour col
was straight forward, with surprisingly good coverage up high. We were
able to pass the biggest crevasses with a squeeze to the climber's
right, just under the Balfour face. There wasn't much sign of recent
activity from the icefall above.

Snow line was very high (around 3000m) on the Wapta which made for
varied travel conditions. On the bare ice, progress was fast, with
obvious route finding and good footing. Progress was slow and tedious
on the suncups which were up to 50cm deep in places, and sometimes the
size of a bathtub. On the nights of Aug 22, 23 the freezing level was
well above the huts. There was one rain storm, but no new snow at
mountain top.

Cheers,
Helen Sovdat
Mountain Guide