[MCR] ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued July 15, 2010

ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued July 15, 2010 This week has had a variety of condition and weather changes. The start of the week had very warm temps and sunny skies that made most snow and ice routes unreasonable, even with early starts. Following the hot temps we had a solid day or two of rain, which in the alpine and more northern reaches this precipitation fell as snow. The last 24 hours it is back to mostly sunny skies and warmer temps again. The past storm seems to have affected the Icefields and Jasper area the most. Snow was still at treeline today in Jasper and in the alpine, 20-30cms of new snow and much more in windloaded areas could be found. Several avalanches were witnessed both in Jasper and in the Icefields, one being off the Silverhorn on Athabasca. Although the Lake Louise area and Lake O'Hara seem to have recovered from the storm, one should still expect new snow up high and attention paid to windloading and solar warming. The Bugaboos seem to be having a late start this summer. Good rock climbing can be found on the Crescent towers. Pigeon has been climbed (although with snow and ice patches), but no word if Bugaboo has been attempted yet. Travel on the glaciers and the Bugaboo/Snowpatch col is good. Snow was falling at the hut on Tuesday and it seemed like winter had arrived again with the storm. Alpine rock routes in the area such as Louis, Castle and Wiwaxy are dry and are seeing attention. Views of Assiniboine show it to still be snowy. Snow routes like Lefroy and Huber are seeing good travel conditions, but S Victoria may still be a bit adventurous especially after the new snow. With the recent snow, anticipated warm temps and sunny skies this weekend, early starts will be key. Enjoy the good weather window as it looks like it may be short lived! Have a great weekend, Sarah Hueniken ACMG Alpine 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.