ACMG Mountain Conditions Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued Nov.6, 2008.
In the Rockies, snowpack depths are still far from threshold values to even consider skiing. In the Columbias, there is enough snow in the alpine for skiing for the very desperate but this will require air support or some serious hiking approaches. Accessing the alpine from valley bottoms is really a non starter. For the desperate without the means for air support, the pleasures of sliding may be available at ski areas with snowmaking this weekend. Don’t bring your new gear.
Ice climbing conditions in the Rockies are typical for this time of year with thin, difficult to protect pitches as the norm. A number of guides have reported “relatively” good conditions on Nemesis, Twisted, Twisted Sister, the Replicant and the routes in Ranger Creek. Information on many other areas is still lacking.
Starting at about 1800 metres in the interior, and in alpine areas in the Rockies, soft slabs ranging from 10 to 30 cm are overlying a melt freeze crust buried November 1. This early season interface will warrant close watch over the next couple of months. Right now, the likelihood of triggering these soft slabs will be of greatest concern to ice climbers.
Precipitation is expected over the weekend but the Avalanche Forecasters at Rogers Pass feel that it is unlikely that there will be enough to make a significant difference. This is quite a different start to the winter from last year for both skiing and climbing. More patience is required.
The last Summary report for the season will be issued next week.
Marc Ledwidge
Mountain Guide