Climbing Conditions

3 photos

Excellent climbing conditions

Kitty Hawk/Unicorn David Thompson Hwy

Climbing Conditions

Yesterday conditions were perfect on both Kitty Hawk and The Unicorn. Temperatures hovered around -2 all day and zero degrees back at the car at the end of the day. There was no wind. Only a few short sections of ice are showing through the old avalanche debris on the first rambling pitches of Kitty Hawk as you enter the gully. The grade 5 pitch is steep but has good hooks and protects well. On the first pitch of The Unicorn there are two ice pillars covering the sections of rock which usually protect with rock gear. We were able to protect the entire first pitch well with ice screws. The ice on the second pitch extends high up so beyond the short section of grade five ice there is another 30m or so of grade 4 ice from which we rapelled on an abalakov anchor. Due to a report of a break in and slashed tire at the parking area at the highway earlier this season, we left our vehicle unlocked and left no valuables in the vehicle.

On The Map

These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.