ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issuedThe unusually warm and dry weather of the last week has melted a lot of snow in the Rockies and Columbia Mountains but we are not quite into full summer conditions yet. It seems as though we are a couple of weeks ahead of most seasons but the forecasted cooler temperatures and precipitation for next week will likely slow the process a bit.There is very little snow left in the front ranges of the Rockies and most of the long rock climbs, trail and scrambles are dry. A little further north and west there is still a fair bit of lingering snow above treeline. With the forecast being more cloudy than it has been there will likely be less overnight freezing resulting in difficult travel (post-holing) where the snowpack in shallow or inconsistent. Most climbing routes on Castle Mountain are dry but you should expect to encounter snow and mud on the scramble route or getting to the descent. People have been climbing Athabasca and reporting decent travel conditions after clear nights. In the Columbias, there is still quite a bit of snow above treeline (currently at the hut level in the Bugaboos) and you should expect to travel over lots of snow to access most routes in the Bugaboos and Rogers Pass. The road to the Bugaboos was in poor conditions earlier this spring and has reportedly been fixed recently although a high-ish clearance vehicle is probably still a good idea. The rivers and creeks are still high and there are still some cornices and wet snow avalanches to watch out for. Currently, weather forecasts show dryer conditions to the north (Jasper) and west (Revelstoke) for the weekend. Marc Piché ACMG Mountain Guide | |
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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. Please check out http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information. | |
ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued June 4th, 2015The bulk of of the limited observations from the Rockies and Columbias are talking about unusually low snow heights below treeline. People are walking to places like the Conrad Kain hut, Wiwaxy gap at O'Hara and up to around 1600m on the Hermit trail at Rogers Pass.Still lots of snow along the divides but classic snow and ice routes could be good(see below) Alpine rock routes may be damp or snowy along the divide as it seemed to precipitate just about everywhere recently in the Rockies and Columbias. It would be ski touring to get to Sir Donald, Uto, AbbottPass etc. Alpine rock in the Bugaboos could be good though with relatively short approaches from the hut and the moraine trail may even be fairly dry up towards Applebee. The past few days of warmth and moisture have possibly warmed up the snowpack to ridge tops. If the forecast is right, friday night will be clear and may be the coolest night of the forecast period. Could be a setup for a good freeze and some quick travel on saturday morning?? Nights are short so the long days are great for travel except if it means a poor freeze or a long period without any recovery mid trip. Rivers are high and alpine lakes are mostly either open or not fit for walking. Clear skies in the forecast just about everywhere in the region-might be embarrassing to not get after it without a good excuse!! Larry Stanier ACMG Mountain Guide | |
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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. Please check out http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information. | |
