ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued September, 02, 2010The cold, rainy, and snowy weather that blessed us late last week persisted until Tuesday this week. The Rocky and Columbia Mountains received 15-30 cm of snow above2800 m with the snowline getting as low as 2300 m. This snow was redistributed into windslabs in many locations by moderate to strong winds on Tuesday and Wednesday. An upper ridge brought clear stable weather to the region on Thursday which melted off some of the lower elevation snow, but it is a still very white at upper elevations and on the glaciers. The big peaks along the Divide and in the Selkirks will be tricky with snow on the ledges and possible wind slabs in steep lee terrain. A party on Tuesday reported a Class 1.5 avalanche running off the Silverhorn Route and running across the Ramp on Mt. Athabasca. Glacier travel will be challenging as many of the crevasses are now covered by fresh snow that does not provide much bridging strength. Conservative travel on the glaciers and lots of probing is recommended. Despite the near freezing temperatures overnight (in Canmore) the day warmed up and rock climbing in the front ranges is quite manageable. Enjoy this nice weather while you can, another low pressure is forecast to enter the region on Saturday afternoon bringing showery weather and cooler temperatures. Brian Webster 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. | |