[MCR] ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued Oct 30, 2014

ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued Oct 30, 2014 It was a nice fall day today in the Rockies. Mid afternoon low elevation rock climbs would have still been doable today. The same may be possible for tomorrow as well. The season is changing, and the snowline is down to roughly treeline on N aspects and is almost gone to mountain top on South aspects. 20cm of snow were reported at Sunshine Villlage as of a few days ago. Reports say that R&D and the Lone Ranger would be barely climbable and that there is approximately 10-20cm of snow around the base areas of both climbs. Last year, at approximately this time of year, six climbers were caught in an early season avalanche just after a storm. Slides are unlikely at the moment but things will change rapidly after the next major storm. The Selkirks are a similar story and likely were a quiet place the last week or so. The snowline is down to roughly 2500m and the prospects of going skiing at the moment are doubtful. While the seasonal transition is in full effect take the opportunity to reorganize your garage and perhaps squeeze in one last afternoon of rock climbing. Aaron Beardmore 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.

[MCR] ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued October 23rd, 2014

ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued October 23rd, 2014 Well, all that fine autumn wx is currently a thing of the past. Rain is falling in most locations from Fernie to Jasper and Kananaskis to Revelstoke. The snow line seems to be around 2000m in most places with light dusting in the higher valleys like Maligne Lake and Columbia Icefields and 5-10cm new snow in the alpine. Closer to the big interior glaciers, it was raining hard at the Bugaboo lodge for the past 48hrs and the snow was down to 1800m as of lunchtime today. The guides at the lodge so it would be tough climbing and terrible skiing there currently. No word from Rogers pass but I am guessing that is wet where it ain't white. Ice climbs are slowly setting up for success. Lots of wise observations from the classic early season ice crags like Ranger Creek, the Columbia Icefields and Jasper and all say some form of "Patience, Grasshopper". Gullies are wet and freezing at night but still falling apart or not gaining ground during the day. It is slowly getting colder in the forecasts so the ice will soon come. Still not a "real" snowpack in most places, so avalanche hazard is most likely isolated to windslabs in lee treeline and alpine features and wet snow running off the white cliffs. Certainly enough snow on the glaciers and alpine bowls to bury someone who steps in the wrong place at the wrong time At some point this fall, it may be time to decide whether you are going to be packing your avalanche rescue gear when you go into the mountains. The ACMG has a goal to encourage climbers to consider bringing avalanche rescue gear on climbing trips. We are certainly not encouraging a dogmatic approach, just an increase in awareness amongst climbers of the need to evaluate avalanche hazard before a trip and carry avalanche rescue gear(or change plans) if they feel there is a any risk of a burial. For now, have a nice weekend, somewhere! 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.

[MCR] ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued October 17, 2014

ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued October 17, 2014 The incredible fall weather continues, the main difference being a general cooling over the past week. Recent flurries have resulted in small accumulations in the alpine of up to 10 cm above 8000 ft. Otherwise, cold and mostly clear nights have created excellent mixed alpine conditions. Early season, high elevation ice climbing is by now a possibility, though you'll have to be cunning, ambitious, and sharp to find it. Given the forecast, low elevation solar aspect rock climbing is still a possibility in the Rockies this weekend -- with a late start, the right route, and some warm clothes. In the interior similar conditions exist, but with precipitation expected on Saturday it sounds like more of a crap shoot. The main hazard to consider in the alpine right now is glacier travel. Expect thin, weak bridges with complex travel through crevassed areas. Travel to and from the glaciers over snow and verglassed rock will make things a little extra challenging too. Regards, 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.

[MCR] ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued 10/09/2014

ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued 10/09/2014 Another incredible week in the Rockies. The weather this past week has been what fall dreams are made of, with sunny, mostly clear skies, warm day time temps and lots of amazing colours reminding us of the changing seasons. Condition reports coming in from Lake Louise, Yoho to Jasper have all mentioned fairly low snow amounts above 9000ft. Below this, things are as dry as they come, maybe drier even, as it seems like glaciers have paid a price for our hot bluebird, summer. Light dustings of snow can be expected on higher peaks, and certainly on North faces. Snow amounts will vary, but expect tedious and complicated glacier travel, with the light snow amounts and minimal overnight freezes. Minimal avalanche activity has been reported this past week due to the overall lack of precipitation. This could definitely change with next weeks forecast. Kananaskis country reported much the same as the above, with minimal overnight freezes, low snow amounts and a fairly high freezing line. Dry rock ridges, some snowy north faces, and lots of warm, sunny rock to enjoy while you can. As noted last week, higher zones like the Bugaboos and Mt Alberta, have seen some ascents involving ice, but beyond that, swinging your tools in water ice is still a bit away. With that said though, folks have been enjoying the late alpine conditions on Aberdeen, Stanley and other glacier ice tongues, and a view of Riptide the other day, looked like the promise wasn't too far away! Don't fear though, winter is and will be long. For now, enjoy the warm rock while you can. Looks like temperatures next week will take a bit of a drop, with overnight temps also dropping well below freezing in the alpine. Precipitation is also looking like it will play a role in this coming weeks mountain conditions, so don't be lured into complacency with all the great weather we've been having! Enjoy the fall, the sun, the warmth and the longish days while its here! Sarah Hueniken ACMG Alpine 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.

[MCR] Sunglasses found and conditions on Pocaterra Ridge, Elk Range, Kananaskis Country

Hello all,

A friend and I hiked Pocaterra ridge from south to north yesterday and found a pair of Suncloud sunglasses along the way. If they are yours it's your lucky day! You can email me at stelfoxjen@shaw.ca

The trail was a bit muddy below treeline, but clear and good travel the whole way. A few patches of snow linger off to the sides in the highest sections of the ridge. Alpine north aspects in the area have some thin remnants of snow. Grizzly Col and the Little Highwood Pass are clear except for a few lingering skiffs.

The larches are finished, but a beautiful carpet of yellow needles remain. No fresh bear sign. We saw several bighorn rams along the ridge and they were calm and unconcerned by our presence.

Cheers,
Jen Stelfox
HG
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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.
See http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.
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[MCR] Coast Conditions Yak Peak

Yak Peak today at 6pm.
Still looks dry from the highway.

[MCR] ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued October 3, 2014

ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued October 3, 2014 We are starting to see some melt/freeze happening in alpine areas of the Rockies. It has been a really dry summer so that will help to rejuvenate mixed and alpine ice on shady aspects. People have been getting out and the N. Face of Alberta was climbed recently. I would only expect to find small, isolated wind slabs at very high elevations, but they are certainly on my mind this time of year. As far as any waterfall ice, you will be going for a long walk to a non existent smear as of now. Glacier travel is getting more arduous and you will be post holing where there is snow. Crevasses are starting to get covered by very weak snow bridges and its a good time to be probing with a ski pole and roped up wherever you aren't sure. South facing rock in the front ranges is still mainly dry and in good shape. The Interior is much the same with potential for rock climbing on due South aspects in the Bugaboos if you time it right, and some of the shady mixed lines like the Big Hose on the Howser Towers have been climbed. The weather looks decent for this weekend, so enjoy it while it lasts. 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.