dry and mild in Banff this winter.

[genepires]

http://unofficialnetworks.com/2015/10/accuweather-el-nino-will-give-canada-one-of-its-warmest-winters-on-record

 

calling for dry and mild around Banff. might be a good winter to go up there for ice climbing for those of us who don't like to climb in -30F. Seems like many of the climbs there are fed from ground water and being dry won't affect things much. Maybe I am wrong.

 

Of course places like the trophy wall will suffer but everything with a large bowl above will be fine.

 

wadda you think?

[YocumRidge]

I am still debating, Gene, what is my preference though: -30 ice or a lack thereof.

 

Last year was already pretty pathetic in Alberta:

[genepires]

I suppose my frame of reference (wi 3 and 4's) has me looking at at places other than that horror feat in the photo.

 

I spent a little time up there last year and everything seemed fine. We were not looking for wi5's though. Was last year a mild and dry year also?

[G-spotter]

Seems like many of the climbs there are fed from ground water and being dry won't affect things much. Maybe I am wrong.

 

 

Yes, you are wrong. dry = less groundwater flow too

[glassgowkiss]

I am still debating, Gene, what is my preference though: -30 ice or a lack thereof.

 

Last year was already pretty pathetic in Alberta:

 

On the contrary, avi hazard was low most of the winter, hence there was plenty of alpine ice and alpine mixed. Also made it for easier travel to such locations as the Headwall