[MCR] ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued September 6th, 2012

ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued September 6th, 2012 Summer may be back in town for a couple more days. The short spell of autumn left variable amounts of snow in the alpine. It would be wise to expect that there will still be snow tomorrow (Friday) above 2600m on north aspects and above 3000m on south aspects. The weekend forecast is WARM so melting on steep terrain will likely be a big deal with rockfall and small wet slides being the biggest concern. There is now enough snow from recent storms to build some fragile new crevasse bridges on the glaciers and some small windslabs in the alpine. It has been a long time since we have had any avalanche hazard and it is certainly not widespread. However, if you went somewhere fat and white something nasty and scary shouldn't be a surprise. Any new cornices aren't likely to be large but they will be fresh and weak. This snow and a warm spell may make for some great alpine mixed climbing-eventually! Once things get cold again it might be "runnel world" but if the forecast is right it will be "slush and rockfall world" till at least monday. It will likely be a stunning weekend in the mountains. Get out there and enjoy it but be aware that almost any alpine project will simply take more time than it would have 2 weeks ago. Days are getting shorter so don't be making big plans without packing a headlamp, warm clothes and something to think about for 9 1/2 hrs of darkness:) Larry Stanier ACMG 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.