Climbed in the Bow Falls area today. Strong westerly winds in the pm. I would guess it was howling on the Wapta. Overcast with only very light snowfall, -5 to -8c.
Generally poor conditions in the Bow Falls area. Snow conditions on all the approach aprons were wildly variable and often spooky. Lots of the bigger aprons I avoided as they were fat and the consequences were low but ugly. The ice was HARD(felt like -30c ice) and even with lethally sharp picks I was having to pound like a caveman to get a stick and then of course had to yank like a fool to get them out. Not very aesthetic.
It is possible to walk around the lake and up to the routes without skiis or snowshoes for now. The walking was better than the climbing.
Larry Stanier
Mountain Guide