MOUNTAIN CONDITIONS 22/08/2019
30cms of snow fell at the Aig du Midi during the bad weather on Tuesday, with fresh snow down to 3500m.
The snow fall, together with the strong winds, has formed some weak snow bridges making certain crevasses treacherous.
Concerning the snow or mixed routes, the new snow has concealed some of the problems caused by the ice or rock exposed by the dry conditions. However, it has improved the situation for some passages, albeit only temporarily.
Concerning the rock routes at altitude, the rock may be snow plastered, (with snow/ice in the cracks,) or verglaced. The foreseen rise in temperatures will rapidly dry the routes, depending upon orientation. The south facing routes are already being done
The 2 routes up Mont Blanc, via the Gouter and the 3 Monts, have been re-tracked, as has the Aig de Bionnassay traverse.