Simple—but treacherous....

We ran into this deceptive snow couloir high on the east flank of Wilbur—somewhat unexpected, because we were in the midst of the hottest July in the history of both GNP and Western Montana, and this following a mild winter and spring. The obstruction was just wide enough, and steep enough, that we were only too glad to have a couple ice axes in the group with which to chop steps. It didn't take long to cross, and as far as dealing with this sort of thing, was relatively minor, but it does point out the need for the availability of proper equipment. Photo by Vernon, July 18, 2007.