[MCR] ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued June 12, 2014

ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued June 12, 2014 Summer is slowly creeping in with the snowline generally at tree line or higher. Plenty of snow is left in the alpine and recent ascents of peaks in the Columbia Ice fields have mentioned winter snow conditions above 3000m. In the Rockies, there have been numerous ascents of Mount Athabasca and Mount Andromeda this past week by various routes. Most notable was the potential for wind slabs on steeper features in the high alpine like the ramp route on Mt. Athabasca, and large sagging cornices which are still hanging above many routes such as the Andromeda Strain. The Shooting Gallery was climbed this week but little to no ice was found at the crux making for scrappy dry tooling. An ascent of the N gully of Mt. Murchison found great frozen snow conditions two days ago all the way to the summit. All of the larger rock routes on peaks such as Edith Cavell and Assiniboine are still in winter condition and will take a while yet to come into shape. Front range rock climbing is good in the Rockies, although places like Castle Mountain have quite a bit of snow in the descent gullies. Rock fall issues were mentioned by numerous parties and this should continue as the mountains shed snow with the forecasted wet weather. Lower elevation rock climbing in Rogers Pass is reportedly good, and an ascent of the West Ridge of Mt. Tupper found dry cruxes with the odd snow patch on route. Sir Donald is still very wintery and needs time to dry off. It looks like a return to winter with snow in the forecast for the bigger peaks this weekend, and rainy conditions with the odd weather window at lower elevations. It would be safe to say there will be a few avalanche issues in the high alpine for the short term, so watch for the amount of new snow. Next week things will start to dry out so the cabin fever shouldn't last too long! Steve Holeczi 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.