Mountain Conditions Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountain
issued August 3rd, 2006.
Winter came to visit in the alpine this week. Reports vary from different
regions but, generally 5 to 20 cms. of snow seems to have fallen above
3000m. The snow is sticking well to ice, neve and, unfortunately, to some
rock faces. Nil avalanches reported but there is definitely enough snow and
wind around to create slabs in some features.
Alpine ice faces have mostly benefited from the snow and there could be some
good climbing conditions this weekend on faces such as Fay and Lefroy.
Again, watch for loaded pockets of fresh snow.
Alpine rock routes and ridges are in really variable condition for now. Some
routes are plastered and other have dried off already.
Glacier travel conditions have taken a slight turn for the worse. The new
snow has not settled at all as of Thursday pm. Therefore, crevasses are in
some places covered with new snow that has not yet sagged but has no
strength to carry a person. Expect to stick a leg in a crevasse and maybe
more.
It is raining and hailing here at Lake OHara at 7pm on Thursday and there is
more precipitation forecast for Friday. Expect conditions to change again
before the weekend. There is talk of a sunny weekend so at least get out and
enjoy the view of these snowy hills.
Larry Stanier
Mountain Guide
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