Columbia Icefield

Just back from a 3 day mission on the Columbia Icefield along with numerous other parties. Everyone opted for moderate objectives such as Snowdome, Kitchener and a party up towards Castleguard. The Pat Sheehan also saw some action. It seems the ice is still attracting a few folks and so we made the most of a solid trail to the toe of the Saskatchewan Glacier. Coverage on the glacier seems good with any slots easilly navigable. Similar story for the Colombia itself. 40-50cms of fresh snow the week prior made travel up high pretty tough, but what skiing we did was great. Avalanche observations Friday and Saturday were limited to things ovserved at lower elevations on solar aspects, mostly on the 93. Things up high were staying put until Sunday when steep solar aspects up to 3100m started shedding in the afternoon sun. As we exited Sunday we saw several large avalanches in the Saskatchewan valley some reaching valley bottom. Heavilly wind affected snowpack was still supportive in the valley Sunday afternoon but sheltered areas were isothermal with boot pen to ground. (70cms) Poor poor hikers!