[MCR] ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued October 12, 2012

ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued October 12, 2012 The extended Indian Summer that we all have been enjoying came to a halt this week with cooler temperatures and fresh snow at upper elevations. Most areas in the Rockies and Rogers Pass are reporting the snow-line at around the tree-line elevation. On south aspects it is more of a dusting, but north aspects (especially along the divide) are looking pretty white. The forecast for the weekend is showery with valley bottom lows near zero and highs in the low to mid teens. It is a safe bet to assume that there will be pockets of wind slab on the higher peaks along the divide. The Columbia Icefields reported good fall climbing conditions with most of the ice faces showing bare ice (having been blown free of snow from recent strong winds). Anybody venturing into the high alpine (especially on glaciated terrain) should be prepared to make avalanche hazard assessment decisions. For example guides avoided the North Ramp Route on Athabasca due to wind slab conditions. Boot top trail-breaking on the glaciers can be expected. Be cautious with glacier travel as the recent snow will be hiding the crevasses but not providing much bridging strength. Once the weather settles down the alpine mixed season should be coming into shape, but early season waterfall ice climbing is probably still a couple of weeks from being in. Ski season? Check your enthusiasm, it is still only October. Brian Webster 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.