first time today.
Our guide book suggests that the best approach to the Grand Sentinel is
by contouring high and into the notch to the left of the spire, crossing
several gullies that from a distance look innocent...
Right now this is a very dangerous way to get there as it brings you
directly in the path of some very active rockfall from the small, steep,
rubbly, hidden icefields on the north side of Pinnacle peak. Throughout
our visit to the area there was regular rockfall down these gullies, on
average once every 5 minutes with huge chunks careening across the
"faint trail" that the guide book mentions.
One strategy that reduces exposure on the approach is to continue down
the well beaten path along the valley bottom until you're directly below
the Grand Sentinel spire (and well past the last of the gullies
threatening the approach), then hike directly up below the spire, and
continue pressed up against the (climber's) left side of the spire and
into the notch. This is still a little ugly but seemed to keep us clear
of the worst of it all.
Regards,
Tom Wolfe
AAG
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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.
Please check out http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.