ACMG Mountain Conditions Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued July 3, 2008
Last weekends hot weather finally started to create some change and an avalanche cycle on many of the higher peaks. Most of the avalanche activity has occurred as loose wet snow avalanches with the occasional deep slab release to remind us that we are not yet dealing with summer firn snow conditions. Warm seasonal temperatures are forecasted into the weekend with valley bottom highs in the mid 20s. This continuing stretch of warm weather is resulting in rapid changes. Some of the alpine routes are starting to come into shape.
Above 2800 metres, there is still a lot snow but some ridge routes are getting climbed. In
In the
Reports from the Bugaboos have been very limited. Ascents of technical routes so far seem to have been few. You can expect most routes there to have challenges with snowy sections and/or wet areas.
We are at the period of Solstice and snow conditions can change from excellent to terrifying in a very short time. This should be considered for any steep snow slopes. Large cornices are still present on many ridges and when they fail have the potential to trigger large avalanches below.
On the lower elevation rock routes such
PS:
Marc Ledwidge
Mountain Guide