[MCR] ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued September 27th, 2012

ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued September 27th, 2012 The fine fall fetter continues in the mountains. Reports from all over the Rockies and Columbia's show that tuesday's rain seems to have generally left an average of 5cm of snow above 3000m. Enough to mean you should carry crampons in the high alpine but below that it is mainly autumn perfection once again. There is enough snow to mask some crevasses and make glacier travel complex in some places. This is really not the season to be walking unroped on any snow covered ice! Shady alpine rock routes along all the divides will probably be snowed up but front range rock should be excellent except for the deepest darkest gullies. Put a handwarmer in your chalk bag and get after it. Alpine ice will be coming along nicely, just keep an eye on the sun as the air is still surprisingly warm at times. These warm periods combined with the sun could easily create some rockfall in the alpine ice world. The skinny fall snows have not really created "much" in the way of skiing. Some features have been skied but I would keep my brand new skis safely stowed away for now. Short and sweet just like the days. Bring your gloves,woolies and headlamp and an early start. The fine weather ain't gonna last forever but it sure has made up for the june monsoon. Larry Stanier 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.