I'm just curious if anyone knows the status of the lake, whether it is still frozen.

I have thoughts of a trip on the May long weekend, but was hoping someone had some beta for me!

At this time of year, especially with freezing level of 3000m on Sunday, you often get a mix of a few inches of slush and water on top of the ice, which can be kinda offputting.

offputting or inputting?

Remember a few years ago crossing the lake, it was frozen but had a top layer of slush and water several inches deep in places. Not a nice feeling.

K

Yes, nothing like filling your boots with fresh ice cold water with every step and fully saturating your skins. Makes for slow going.



After encountering this twice over the years in early to mid May, I've resolved to not cross the lake in May anymore.

ah yes, this would be inputting [)]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone's been up to the lake recently/have looked down at it, and could comment on whether it looks frozen or not. Usually it is by this time, but I'm not so sure this year...

Thanks

Yes, I am wondering too. Thanks for bringing this up CJung. Heading out of town for a few weeks now, but really hoping for a 1 night trip to Burton Hut for the 3rd week of March. I've wanted to go for the past 3-4 years but each time something-- illness, business, bad weather-- has prevented it. This year, it might be tropical temps.

Thanks in advance for any input- speculation welcome too btw, I have zero risk tolerance when it comes to ice ;-)

wondering if there is actually deep standing water in spots now

I heard that as of the 29th it was bare ice with no snow on it and that a party completing the Neve Traverse said "skates would have been more useful than skis"

No idea since then.

Garibaldi lake's elevation is ~1500m.....

https://forums.clubtread.com/8-britis...tml#post584490 post #122

Doesn't bode well.

I've been keeping track of the freezing levels the whole season, but I thought it would be worth asking since Garibaldi lake is prone to temperature inversions.

Any further updates would be greatly appreciated, not just by myself, but a horde of VOCers who would like to continue the annual tradition of hanging out in Sphinx Bay for reading break

FYI, just got back from a 3 day modified Neve traverse from Elfin Lakes - Garibaldi Neve - Glacier Pikes - Sphinx - Helm Glacier - Rubble Creek. We didn't cross the lake, looked fairly sketchy from our first viewpoint at the Glacier Pikes (see photo), so we went over Sphinx Pass to the Burton hut instead. Skied out over Gentian Pass and the Helm Glacier.

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Bramvs - thanks for this excellent update. About to do the traverse and wondered about the lake....will probably do your exit option as well given I HATE being on sketchy frozen lakes w/o good ice thickness knowledge. Probably dates back to one of the early Omen movies where the kid falls under the ice and they can see him but can't help. Thanks Hollywood. ;-)

thanks again for the report.
Brian

A reputable source has pegged the ice thickness at 30cms. Of course, always assess current conditions for yourself and travel accordingly.

More info and pics here: