The Little Gem ice climb.

Map for Mountain Information Network report: The Little Gem ice climb.

Ice conditions

Name of climb
The little Gem.

Information

The day was:
  • Cold
  • Sunny

Comments

Took the old tools for a walk up to The little Gem. Didn’t climb it due to a later than anticipated start and time constraints.

It’s a good 3 hour approach from the trail head. There’s a path punched in now.

I would not want to be in this zone after then next snowfall.

The approach goes through challenging avalanche terrain. Lots of evidence of large slides in the approach drainage.

Surface hoar crystals were from 8mm to 15mm.

Snow in the drainage averaged 20cm of unconsolidated low density to facets.

Temps were -11 @ 10am at the trailhead.

-5 @ 1:30pm (2000m elevation).