August 31, 2006
The exceptionally dry conditions of this summer have come to an end, and winter has arrived to many alpine areas throughout the range.
On Wednesday the weather pattern shifted to a NW flow, bringing cooler temperatures and heavy rain to the mountains. The heaviest precipitation fell in Continental Divide areas, where reports of up to 25cm at higher elevations were received. Mt. Assiniboine and Mt. Temple are plastered in new snow. The Columbia Icefields area also received a significant dump of fresh snow - although amounts may taper further to the north, as less rain fell in Japer on than in southern areas. The eastern end of the Bow Valley also received snow, but again less than the divide, and down to about 2400 meters.
Reports are limited, but areas in Rogers Pass and the Bugaboos appear to have received a bit less snow than the central Rockies. Estimates range from 10-20cm in Glacier Park and the Bugaboos. The snow fell to treeline elevations in all areas, but has been steadily melting upwards on Thursday and this melting trend should continue. Expect snowline at about 2700 meters, lower on north aspects.
All of this means the dry alpine rock climbing is done for now, especially on shaded routes. South aspects should melt quickly, as the weekend forecast calls for blue sky and valley bottom temps in the mid 20s. Expect wet rock climbing and morning verglass over the rocks. Areas to the east and west of the Continental Divide will offer the driest rock - Ha Ling Peak and the East End of Mt. Rundle near Canmore are free of snow and drying fast.
Glacier travel has become more complicated, as just days ago the ice was bare and crevasses visible. This has changed. Be wary of thin bridges across crevasses and ensure you use some kind of pole to probe your way through any crevassed areas.
25 cm is enough snow to create a slab avalanche hazard on the higher elevation mountaineering routes, particularly when drifted by the wind. Be wary of recently developed windslabs in leeward areas (N Glacier route on Athabasca, for example). This condition should stabilize rapidly with the warm temperatures this weekend.
It looks like a glorious weekend ahead. Trees in the valley bottoms show a hint of yellow, todays temperatures were cool, while the mountains were white and glistening in the sunshine. The waning days of a beautiful summer are upon us enjoy!
Grant Statham
Mountain Guide
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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.