On Behalf Of Grant Statham
Sent: August 2, 2005 10:39
To: rockies@informalex.org
Cc: mcr@informalex.org
Subject: [Rockies/Intalex] AVALANCHE ADVISORY UPDATE FOR HIGH ALPINE ROUTES-
FROM PARKS CANADA
AVALANCHE ADVISORY UPDATE FOR HIGH ALPINE ROUTES
Canadian Rockies National Parks, ALBERTA, August 2, 2005 - Parks Canada is
still advising hikers and climbers to take extra caution when climbing on,
or when exposed to steep, snow covered slopes in the alpine; the avalanche
back-country advisory is currently listed as SERIOUS / CONSIDERABLE.
The previous advisory that was sent on July 11, 2005, was a result of a
cold, winter-like snow pack at higher elevations; conditions have now
changed to more of a springtime wet avalanche cycle. Given the current
conditions, avalanche training, experience and rescue equipment are
essential for safe climbing on alpine routes. Conditions are UNUSUAL for
this time of year and will not improve until we have an extended period of
melting and/or overnight freezing. Many of the popular climbing and
scrambling routes have more snow than normal.
A brief period of cold overnight temperatures the week of July 20 has given
way to a prolonged period of warm temperatures, with little overnight
freezing. This combination of snow and warm temperatures is resulting in
wet snow avalanches, collapsing cornices and weakened snow bridges over
crevasses. Natural and climber triggered avalanches and cornice releases
are being reported, and are occurring in both the day and night.
While climbing, remember avalanche hazards can change quickly throughout the
day as the temperature warms; be cognizant of changing conditions in your
surroundings. An additional hazard to watch for are thinly bridged
crevasses which may be difficult to observe.
On Friday, July 29 two climbers were killed on the North Face route on Mt.
Robson, British Columbia. Park Wardens from Jasper were dispatched to the
scene and were able to recover one of the bodies. The other body has not
been recovered due to subsequent large avalanches sweeping the accident
site. This is one more example of climbers being involved in an avalanche
on alpine routes in the throughout June and July.
Further information on climbing routes and conditions can be obtained by
calling the Park Wardens in Jasper at (780) 852-6155 or in Banff at (403)
762-1470. TIPS to avoid an AVALANCHE please visit our web sites.
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These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.
Please check out http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.