Snow conditions

Just finished 2 days at Lake O'Hara. It is about as snow free a world as I have seen for this time of year. Almost no snow below treeline but significant amounts primarily in lee slopes at TL and in the alpine. Certainly enough snow for big wet loose avalanches in the alpine with daytime warming, lots of cornices, lots of melt triggered rockfall and some tough walking without a freeze.

Some alpine climbing would be doable but you would need a good freeze, good timing and fast feet. The short nights and long potential thaw periods equal short windows for safe travel but a good freeze could be a good enabler?

Things will continue to change quickly but if you have access and hit the right conditions Wenkchemna to Opabin, Mt. Lefroy, Cathedral and maybe Glacier pk would be good right now. Grassi Ridge and the Wiwaxy towers would be snow free except for some patches maybe on the descents.

Happy Springing into Summer

Larry Stanier
ACMG Mountain Guide