About 20 cm storm snow in the early morning, with an additional 20 cm
throughout the day for a total storm snow amount 30-40 cm, low density.
Total height of snowpack is around 70 cm at treeline. Snow rates today
were between 1 and 3 cm/hr.
Winds were mainly calm with just enough breeze at times to send torrents
of light spindrift down on our heads throughout the day. Otherwise, no
avalanche activity observed or heard, but visibility was quite poor for
the most part.
It's getting to the point where skiing up Stanley Ck is viable and might
be worth considering if can deal with the risks of early season hazards
and a weak base off the track. It would sure be a challenge with climbing
packs and leather boots right now. We walked in, which still works OK but
it might be worth considering snowshoes if skiing seems a little too scary
right now. 2 1/4 hrs moderate trailbreaking to the base, 1 1/2 hr back
down. A party on Suffer Machine today used skis for access and some hikers
came in on snowshoes.
The climbing was the same as the last time I was there a month ago: fat
ice with good pro, in excellent condition, though plastered with snow
right now.
>From what I saw of the "French Bench" approaching French Reality last
weekend (steep, facetted, shallow snowpack above cliffbands) I would
approach this area with caution right now, especially if it seems like it
got any wind or slabbing going on.
Hard sledding getting the car out of the parking lot! Bring a shovel if
you plan to head there tomorrow in case the plow doesn't make it.
Regards,
Tom Wolfe
AAG/ASG
_______________________________________________
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