Rite of Spring

<p>The approach trail around Emerald Lake is in great shape. As we neared the climb, the snowpack was anywhere from ankle to knee deep facets, sometimes with a supportive crust. We observed large surface hoar crystals in this drainage. Really good ice quality and climbing until we bailed. The sun was dislodging ice and rocks by 11am. There is a more Easterly facing ice climb (see photo) to the left of the route that we climbed, that gets shaded earlier in the day. Another party was on it and continued on up after we retreated. I would be cautious of climbing these routes after any new snowfall as you are walking up an avalanche slide path and climbing under some very large avalanche terrain. Temperature at the shady carpark upon return was -7, and much warmer on the climb.</p>