ACMG Mountain Conditions Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued Oct. 23rd, 2008.
Very little change in the mountains in the past week with one exception. Even though it was a bit warmer this week than last, it has been cool enough for climbable ice to form in the alpine in a few places. Stanley headwall was still wet and thin last weekend but as that is a serious icebox it should be improving. (Improving into steep, thin ice and mixed climbs:). Ranger Ck has climbable ice and almost no snow. David Thompson highway corridor sounds very snow and ice free. There is more ice forming by the minute somewhere but expect a chance of getting skunked and keep a wary eye on the flowing water, the temperatures and how well the ice is stuck to the stone.
Snow avalanches are still most likely restricted to gullies and lee features at treeline and above in the Rockies. The wind has been hammering the snow in the open as usual. Snowline is much more firmly established in the Columbias. A recent report from a lovely Glacier park warden went something like this "Still 10cm at the pass, disappearing to either side. Snowline is firmly down to 1300 meters, with places like MacDonald W Shoulder looking very white. Saw some solar sluffs from terrain above NRC to size 1, but running far downstream."
Glacier travel has not improved at all. Bridges may be slightly easier to see but have not gained any strength.
Skiing is still a desperate act, even in the Columbias.
Check out the first avalanche bulletin of the season from the good folks at Glacier Park. See link below.
Larry Stanier
ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide