[MCR] ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued May 21, 2015

ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued May 21, 2015 Warm temperatures are the current theme in the mountains with a high of 10 degrees Celsius measured at 2600 m in Lake Louise today and daytime highs near 20 degrees Celsius at 1300 m in Rogers Pass. Lots of snow is melting and the creeks and rivers are beginning to rise. In the main ranges of the Rockies the snowline remains below treeline on north aspects with just over 150cm of snow at the weather station near Black Prince (2250m) in Kananaskis. Snowline is higher in the eastern areas around Banff and Canmore and some sunny scrambles are coming into shape. Clear skies and cool overnight temperatures continue to provide good early morning travel on snow. Expect a rapid breakdown of the crusts formed overnight once the sun hits the slopes with a corresponding increase in avalanche hazard. Loose wet avalanches in steep terrain have been observed by late morning and a few recent deep slab avalanches have been seen as the warm temperatures begin to penetrate the snowpack. Cornice failures have also been observed and many cornices are sagging badly. A few people are still out exploring the icefields and local couloirs on skis and early morning travel is reportedly quite good up high though ski quality is variable. In the Columbia mountains there are still snow patches in the forest on north aspects near Rogers Pass and while the valleys are melting out quickly, lots of snow remains up high. Not a lot of overnight crust recovery so again you will want to be down early from any objectives and can expect loose wet avalanches by mid-day. Yesterday a group turned back from the West Ridge of Mt Tupper due to too much snow on the ridge, but reported good travel conditions up and down the Lone Pine slide path. Lots of wet rock on the faces of Mt Macdonald but it is drying fast. The Asulkan Valley still looks very much like winter. Rock climbing is in full swing at the lower elevation crags and on higher south aspects. As usual at this time of year you can expect more loose rock than normal due to the freeze thaw cycles over the winter and any remaining snow patches above the cliffs will start spitting rocks once the day heats up. Tick checks are highly recommended at the end of the day since the nasty little fellows seem to be out in abundance. It looks like the weekend will continue to be clear and hot so either start really early for your alpine objectives and be back down before the snow starts falling apart, or relax and enjoy some early season climbing, hiking and biking. Conrad Janzen 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.