Up the lefthand Narao gully today. Below 2700 m conditions are mostly hard summer neve, above that elevation there is about 35 cm of recent snow overlying the neve. This new snow was held together by a few thin crusts on this NE aspect, with some hot temps this snow would fall apart quite rapidly. Although it was warmer than we hoped (minimal overnight freeze) it seemed cold enough with no rockfall or avalanches noted.
From below, this gully looks like it has a rockband in the middle but one can connect the couloir the entire way via a hidden finger of snow.
A fun 2 hour climb with a 3 hour approach and a 4 hour descent!
Erica Roles
Asst Rock Guide
Mark Klassen
Mountain Guide