[MCR] ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Coastal Mountains issued April 28, 2010

ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Coastal Mountains issued April 28, 2010 S.COAST AND N.CASCADES RANGES: Cool and unsettled conditions prevailed this past week. Alpine areas received periodic snow flurries resulting in some lingering storm snow over a generally moist snow-pack. A weak ridge of high pressure is forecast to build onto the coastal areas this weekend. Perhaps we will see clear skies, and an overnight freeze. Avalanche activity; was generally limited to cornice failures and surface layers of the snow-pack. However some large avalanches have been reported, including a size 4 avalanche in the Hurley Pass area. The east side of the coast range, such as the Southern Chicotin region, the snow-pack probably still has lingering mid pack weaknesses. On the east side of the Cascades around Leavensworth, multi-pitch rock climbing routes out of Icicle creek drainage have had ascents in the past week,... presumably the snow line is retreating to treeline elevations. CENTRAL COAST REGION: The past week was reported to have drier conditions than South Coast. areas. Avalanche activity; the usual spring cycle will be underway, with wet slides running into valley bottoms. Avalanches and cornice falls have triggered deeper layers in the form of slabs in the drier side of the range, indicating a lingering Persistent Weakness Layer are still a concern on the drier east side slopes of the Coast Range. The alpine snowpack seems to be above average this year, many of the glaciers observed have an increase in crevasses. Ski touring activity is reported to be way up this year, with the number of groups flying in for trips approaching the busy days of the 1980's! NORTH COAST RANGES; Unlike the south Coast, the north coast has below average snowpack this winter. I didn't have much information at this time, but hopefully more info in the coming weeks. WEEKEND OUTLOOK If the skies do start to clear into the weekend, a nice melt-freeze travelling crust may form. The weather forecast seems to change daily, however at this time, Saturday looks like a lovely day for the South and Central coast areas. However, given the uncertain forecast, the safe bet might be rock-climbing in the rain shadow areas such as Pavillion, Skaha, or Leavensworth. Better bring a toque and sweater! Paul Berntsen, Mountain Guide
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.