[MCR] South Coast Mountains, Spearhead Traverse

[Public Mountain Conditions Report]

I did a lap through the Spearhead Traverse this past weekend. We found
enjoyable travel and sking above 2000m. Below 1900m there is no snow on the
Feb 13th rain crust and its associated runnels. In the alpine there is on
average 15cm snow on the crust, but in many places it is thinner and
partially blow away. The bond between the dust on the crust is strong enough
to allow reasonably easy skinning. We found ski crampons where useful a few
times through thinner areas. 

The average snow depth over glacier ice (at traverse elevations) is easily
more than 2.5m and snow bridges over crevasses seem supportive due to all
the melt freeze layers.  There are still more crevasses visible than usual
for this time of year.

 

There are two areas that need extra attention. The Ripsaw/Naden Col (on the
Naden Gl side) is unusually steep  and not dished like normal. A slip here
could easily result in a fall over rocks into the windcirque. The alt route
to the west is too rocky and lacking snow to work easily.  Also, the notch
under the NW side of Overlord Mt is lacking snow. Yesterday there was  thin
veneer of snow/slush over rock slab. I lowered people a few feet over this
to better snow. Ice axes where useful in these areas and when walking on ice
glazed ridges.

 

This all made for really enjoyable fast traverse conditions!

  

 

Dave Sarkany

DSK Guiding

 

acmg_ski_SKGABC scanned logo- july 2011

 

ACMG Ski Guide - Association of Canadian Mountain Guides

CAA Professional Member - Canadian Avalanche Association

SKGABC -Level 3 Sea Kayak Guide - Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC

 

604.938.4056

dsarkany at telus.net

www.dskguiding.com

 

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