ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued November 4th, 2010Fall continues to cruise pleasantly along. Here on the east slope of the Rockies you can still climb when the wind is low and the sun is on the rock. Ice climbing is to be had in the cold high places and even the Terminator is starting to form into a collection of icicles and daggers that MAY be climbable soon by a very light person with a very light touch and a very high risk tolerance.Skiing in the rockies is probably pretty grim in most locations. People have been ski touring up high on the Rae glacier and at the Fernie ski area as an example. Lots of wind on the east slope so I am guessing it has been windy up high along the divide too. There have been two interesting and spooky reports from the Columbia mtns, both mentioning fairly large slab avalanches(approx 100m wide) from around 2300m elevation that ran on the summer snow. This is a bit disconcerting and will be something to watch for as the season progresses. High elevation skiing is still obviously a bit rough and the usual early season hazards like rocks, stumps, crevasses, open creeks etc are all still there at all elevations and just waiting for a tasty leg or head. The forecast for the Columbias and the Rockies divide is for more precipitation. Early season skiing in flat light is not my cup of tea, so I can only hope for ice, warm rock or a good movie. Larry Stanier ACMG/IFMGA 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. | |