[MCR] ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Coastal Mountains issued May 27, 2011

ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Coastal Mountains issued May 27, 2011 ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the South Coast Mountains issued may 27, 2011 The weather conditions remain unsettled through the coming weekend with a drying trend forecast sometime next week. Deep snowpack conditions linger alpine areas of the outer coast and Vancouver Island areas, with the snowpack tapering dramatically towards the east side of the ranges. Freezing levels are fluctuating daily, with snow falling as low as 1200m yesterday in the Cascades and Pemberton areas. With overnight breaks in the cloud cover, the snow in open areas will provide good step kicking in the morning hours, with snow turning isothermal by late morning. Recently, ski touring in the Cascades has been good for travelling, however lots of looming cornices, and storm snow is evident on the peaks. In the South Coast Mountain's I expect the conditions are similar, with periodic snowfall down into the tree-line and some storm snow remaining in alpine areas. A South aspect slab avalanche high up on Mt Birkenhead was visible from way down in the valley bottom in Birken! In the Coquihalla, Yak Pk has had some recent snow slabs gliding off rock slabs, with plenty of remaining hang-fire! If the forecasted warmer weather arrives next week, there is bound to an increase in snow avalanches and rock falls, consider that cornice falls and wet snow avalanches may run down well into the tree-line. I expect that the recent storm snow on the glaciers will disguise crevasses bridges. The local creeks and rivers are high and will continue to rise for a while yet. Paul Berntsen ACMG/IFMGA 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.