[MCR] ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued September 20, 2012

ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued September 20, 2012 Wow! Has this been amazing fall or what! Best of all, the weather outlook has it continuing through the weekend, and only deteriorating for a day in the Columbia's to a low probability of showers starting Tuesday. This last week of sunshine on solar aspects has gone a long way towards melting back the previous snowfalls, though you should still expect to find snow and ice lingering on higher elevation shaded walls. There have also been several reports of isolated windslabs above 3000m. in the Rockies, something to consider if you are in steeper high consequence terrain, where a small release could carry you somewhere you weren't planning on going. Crevasses are generally still visible and easy to manage with proper rope application, though bergshrunds may still present a challenge in some locations, and extra caution is warranted on any bridges resulting from recent avalanche activity. The ever present risk of rockfall in the vertical world is not to be overlooked, especially in locations where afternoon heating is likely to dislodge rocks that were earlier frozen by cool overnight temps (such as Bugaboo snowpatch col). As they say, "Timing is everything"! One of the benefits of this time of year and the cool nights, is easy creek crossings – especially compared to what we were faced during the "June Monsoon". As well alpine ice conditions sound pretty good, with a mix of quality snow and ice out there for the taking. I am sure some locations would even offer those keen enough to carry their skis a long ways a few early season turns, but please ensure you do a thorough investigation during your roped ascent to ensure you won't have a nasty run in with a hidden crevasse! All in all is seems like a great weekend to take advantage of our extended summer – of course being fall in reality, means much shorter days and WAY longer nights. So choose your objectives appropriately and pack some warm clothes if there is a chance of an overnight should things go not quite as planned! Cheers, Scott Davis 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.