[MCR] ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued August 22, 2014

ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued August 22, 2014 With the heavy rain we have seen this week there has been very little information about current conditions in the Rockies and Columbia mountains. The freezing level has remained relatively high but I suspect there will be new snow below mountain top elevations in the taller ranges. The forecast for the weekend is a bit better the further west you go with Saturday looking like the best day overall. I will be trying to find a dry place to rock climb but, if I was inclined to head into the alpine my attention would be focused on new snow and rockfall. With these conditions it would not take much new snow and wind to hide crevasses or build small isolated wind slabs on high ridges. Also, with all of the rain that has fallen, the potential for rockfall has likely increased significantly. As Steve mentioned last week, the long hot summer has taken its toll on the mountains with lots of 'permanent' ice melting and snow lines being at record high elevations. The increased rockfall potential from this melting will not likely have been fixed and could possibly have been magnified by the recent precipitation. On the brighter side for those with a bit of flexibility, Monday to Wednesday looks sunny and warmer across the entire forecast area! Have a great weekend. Marc Piché 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.