We’d never been so late before and were unsure as to what we might find. Val greeted us with dire warnings avalanches and forebodings of death. Everett explained more scientifically that the weird temperatures had resulted in desiccation of moisture from the deep snow layers with deposition in the top layers, effectively leading to slab on powder and consequent instability.
Well, at least the rabbits were still in town. This one has lived outside Terry’s place for 2 years now, a record for survival against the predatory Kyotes who come to town for dinner periodically.
A trip down Kananaskis confirmed the deep snow pack. Just look at the avalanche slopes subtending ‘Kidd Falls’, Mount Kidd.
We visited ‘Wedge Smears’ that day and Val sends her regards to all.
Later that week, we visited King’s Creek and found this route in superb condition, with glass-hard ice. We speculated that Pete would have gone for the smear on the right.
Marj likewise sends greetings from top of ‘Coire Dubh’ (not the integral). Nice view of Yamnuska in background.
Paul finds a nice ‘Scottish’ route at Junkyards…
…Val follows up
Field was in suspect condition so we carried on to Emerald lake….
‘Hamilton Falls’, Field, BC….’ Hmmm, will it or won’t it?’
Paul makes short work of Massey’s, pitch 1…
…..and pitch 3. Marj was just ahead.
Series - Canada 08
- Canada Winter 2008 – Prologue
- Canada Winter 2008 – Interlude
- Canada Winter 2008 – Epilogue
Wow, I was expecting lots of tales of rock climbing with chilly fingers, but no, there still looks like lots of ice! ๐ Massey’s looks fat.
I’m not sure I understand all the big words (“desiccation”, “subtending”)
, I’m just a simple climber ๐ … but it certainly sounds like weird conditions. The synclines on Mt Kidd are shown up wonderfully by the snow though! I have always wanted to go and climb Kidd Falls – they look so aesthetic – but have never had the inclination to get stuck into the walk. ๐ Or risk the avalanche dangers! ๐ฏ
Gosh Terry, yet another trip!
And Hi to Paul too ๐
Well Pete, this is only the ‘Prologue’ ๐ Who knows what might follow next ๐
Yes, a number of climbs were very fat this year, even late in the season. Kidd has always looked attractive but, even in lean snow years, has high avalanche risk and I know of no ascents.
Now then, as for that “smear on the right”… I actually quite like the look of the short steeper smear on the left! ๐
Trust Pete ๐ I never even considered that ๐ฎ