MCR Observation

Mountain Conditions Report

<p>A group of Assistant Hiking Guide Candidates with the Canadian Ski and Mountain Guide Program spent 9 days hiking in Jasper National Park, mostly in the Maligne Lake Corridor.<br /> Here are some observations that we noted.</p> <p>In general there seem to be less new snow in this end of the park, and conditions greatly improved with good weather after September 10th.<br /> Of note, it seems that several alpine tarns and lakes in the area were either at low levels or had dried up. This seemed unexpected after a relatively damp summer.</p> <p>A 3 day backpacking trip in the Watchtower basin was undertaken with groups camping in the alpine in the upper valley at 2200m and crossing to the north and then west into a small unnamed valley for the second night.<br /> A small summit north of Watchtower (439538) was ascended then easily descended via the north ridge.<br /> This sub peak has steep contours on the map, however the terrain did not reflect what is shown on the map and it is easy travel.<br /> One group also climbed a small summit (445545) NE of the pass.<br /> We camped above treeline on a rocky bench below a small tarn. The water levels in this drainage were also below normal flow values and water was present, but not always obvious.<br /> Temperatures reached freezing values overnight on the 11th and 12th.</p> <p>There were no recent signs of bear activity.</p> <p>A spectacular area especially with the fine conditions during the last 2 days of the trip.</p> <p>Peter Amann MG<br /> Steve Ludwig SG, HG=</p>