[MCR] Sir Donald

[Public Mountain Conditions Report]

What started out as a late start from Revelstoke, for a casual day on Uto,
ended up being a beautiful day (by ourselves)on Sir Donald yesterday.  We
turned back on the summit block due to some threatening  cloud formation to
the west, but enjoyed good conditions up to there.  More lingering snow than
my other experiences on the NW, but totally climbable.  Pretty much clear to
the summit block.  A bit white above that.  Would expect to find a few slow
sections along the final traverse to the summit??

 

Campground is essentially still under full snow cover and an ice axe was
comforting in several places along the route, including the lower portion of
the bolted descent.  West face bypass was doable yesterday with only an ice
axe, but had a few snow patch sections that were a little bit entertaining.
Passable but not yet recommended.  With an overnight freeze you'd need
crampons and it would be a bit sporty!

 

Of note, on the drive home to Revelstoke we observed four notable natural
slab avalanches to size 2.5 - 3.0 from NW aspects directly below ridge
crest.  Three were cornice triggered, one (the largest) did not appear to
be.  Snowpack in the alpine, north quadrant still definitely deserves some
serious respect until the temps cool down.

 

Paul Norrie

Mountain Guide    

 

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