[MCR] ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued August 27th, 2015

ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued August 27th, 2015 It seems like there has been very little change in the past few days with the smoke/haze making it hard to see and slow to warm up most days. It has often been much clearer in the alpine and I would guess that most of last fridays snowfall has melted from the rocks. But, we have very few observations to go on so that is certainly a guess! It looks like it may be a somewhat damp weekend in the alpine anywhere west of the Rockies Divide. Drier fx out on the east slope of the Rockies. Perhaps most importantly, there is at least some precipitation forecasted for most of Washington state and those big fires. Glacier travel is still not ideal in most places but hopefully some of that recent snow has stuck and softened the icy world slightly. Rockfall from the glacial edges is still probably the biggest current hazard, but melting snow, clumsy feet and snagging ropes can all disturb the choss. To once again quote Dick Culbert's 1974 "Alpine Guide to Southwestern British Columbia"-"As an instructive generalization, novices in the mountains are afraid of falling, while more more experienced climbers are afraid of things falling on them" Finally, it is probably best to leave your skis in the house awhile longer. Larry Stanier 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.