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Wednesday, November 4, 2009

[MCR] Sorcerer, Ghost River, Alberta

The Sorcerer is in good condition. Thick ice and good screws on both
the upper pitches and the often-thin-and-hollow lower pitches.

Of note:

There was a significant pile (class 2) of old avalanche debris at the
bottom of the route. Debris was mostly the consistency of a wet
avalanche with some TV to beer fridge sized chunks in it. It appeared
to be from a cornice collapse triggering the snow slope at half
height-- likely during the warm spell last week. The halfway snow
slope is now a combination of hard and soft snow-- not soft enough to
slow any ice debris. There are also some sections of cornice
remaining above the route, which may become a concern if it warms up
again.

There is a fair amount of ice lensing on the route, so some extra time
was necessary for the placements and pro.

Josh Briggs
Asst. Guide


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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.
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