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Sunday, July 20, 2008

[MCR] Wapta Icefields Traverse, July 13-19, 2008

Just back from a ACC summer traverse of the Wapta Icefields, stopping in at each of the huts and climbing one or two peaks a day.  Conditions up there are excellent right now!  
 
Cool morning temperatures (-1 to +1'C) are providing good travel until about 1100 with daytime highs around 12'C.  Minus 2'C on top of Mt Daly early yesterday morning.
 
Snow coverage on the glaciers is still averaging around 2m above 2800m (Snow line is around 2400m).  High up the crevasse bridges are beginning to sag but are generally in good condition.  The Balfour high col is crossed via a couple of large & solid snow bridges and might be a tricky spot later in the season, but is in good shape right now. 
 
No avalanche activity observed other than some surface sluffing and rockfall as things heated up each day.
 
A great time to be traveling high in the alpine!
 
Cheers, Conrad Janzen
IFMGA Mountain Guide