[MCR] ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued November 7, 2013

ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued November 7, 2013 While "between seasons" is still the best way to describe climbing and skiing conditions in the Rockies and Interior ranges, the alpine is decidedly winter. The first reported avalanche involvement of the season in Ranger Creek (Kananaskis Country) reminds us of the fact that snow levels up high are at the point where large dangerous avalanches are possible. Ranger Creeks is a popular, reliable early season ice climbing destination with serious avalanche hazard potential – rated "Complex" terrain in the K-Country ATES scale due to the massive (and often unnoticed) overhead slopes – and it seems every year around this time somebody has a close brush. This year it was a very close brush, with one of the six climbers involved having only a boot showing above the surface. Like many ice climbing destinations, this is one to give a miss when there has been significant recent snowfall and wind. When in doubt, bring your full avalanche gear – why not? Unfortunately for ice climbers, it seems we're having a slower than usual start to the ice climbing season. Very little activity is being seen except in a few areas. Climbers seem to be contenting themselves with the drytooling destinations for the time being, or making exploratory forays to check on the status of climbs – which so far are mainly patchy or dry. Skiers too will have to wait for another big snowfall, or two or three, before conditions improve enough for decent skiing. Not to say skiers don't try – they always do, 12 months a year, and I saw tracks up in Ptarmigan Cirque a few weeks back that spoke to the eagerness of a few. But with less than 50 cm of snow – more like 20-30 cm below treeline if you're lucky – the full array of autumn hazards exist. While more snow will be found on the glaciers, bridging will be extremely weak and thinly covered crevasses will make the skiing more of an exercise in hazard management – roped up and ready for action. The weekend forecast hold little hope for skiers – scattered flurries for the most part. But with the cool weather conditions continue to improve for ice climbing. Bringing your tools for a walk might not be the worst way to spend a day in the mountains, and who knows, you might get lucky. But be prepared for thin and poorly bonded ice with running water and challenging climbing for the grades. Tom Wolfe 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.