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Thursday, September 15, 2005

[MCR] Howson Range/ North Coast Mountains

Four days of skiing (don't ask me why) on the Burnie, Telkwa, and Loft
Glaciers from 11 to 14 September. Firn line is at 1800 m on northerly
aspects and 2100 m on southerly aspects. Recent snow to 30 cm above 2200
m on northerly aspects. Glacier travel conditions are good for the time
of year with few sags and enough snow cover to make most routes
feasible. Alpine ridges and faces have snow on them on northerly aspects
above 2000 m. No avalanches observed.

Low of 2.0 degrees and high of 10.0 degrees over the four days at 2000
m. Radiation freeze on 12 and 14 September overnight. Very strong
westerly winds (hard to stay upright in Polemic Pass) and rain to 2200 m
on 13 September.

Last winter's very big snowpack at altitude (above 2000 m) seems to make
for good firn coverage. HS 290 at 2300 m in northerly aspect.
--
Christoph Dietzfelbinger
Mountain Guide, Bear Mountaineering and Burnie Glacier Chalet
Box 4222
Smithers, B.C. V0J 2N0 Canada
tel. 250-847-3351 fax: 250-847-2854
info@bearmountaineering.ca www.bearmountaineering.ca
_______________________________________________
These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.
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