Mountain Conditions Summary - Rockies and Interior Ranges
August 31, 2006
The exceptionally dry conditions of this summer have come to an end, and winter
has arrived to many alpine areas throughout the range.
On Wednesday the weather pattern shifted to a NW flow, bringing cooler
temperatures and heavy rain to the mountains. The heaviest precipitation fell
in Continental Divide areas, where reports of up to 25cm at higher elevations
were received. Mt. Assiniboine and Mt. Temple are plastered in new snow. The
Columbia Icefields area also received a significant dump of fresh snow -
although amounts may taper further to the north, as less rain fell in Japer on
than in southern areas. The eastern end of the Bow Valley also received snow,
but again less than the divide, and down to about 2400 meters.
Reports are limited, but areas in Roger?s Pass and the Bugaboos appear to have
received a bit less snow than the central Rockies. Estimates range from 10-20cm
in Glacier Park and the Bugaboos. The snow fell to treeline elevations in all
areas, but has been steadily melting upwards on Thursday and this melting trend
should continue. Expect snowline at about 2700 meters, lower on north aspects.
All of this means the dry alpine rock climbing is done for now, especially on
shaded routes. South aspects should melt quickly, as the weekend forecast calls
for blue sky and valley bottom temps in the mid 20?s. Expect wet rock climbing
and morning verglass over the rocks. Areas to the east and west of the
Continental Divide will offer the driest rock - Ha Ling Peak and the East End
of Mt. Rundle near Canmore are free of snow and drying fast.
Glacier travel has become more complicated, as just days ago the ice was bare
and crevasses visible. This has changed. Be wary of thin bridges across
crevasses and ensure you use some kind of pole to probe your way through any
crevassed areas.
25 cm is enough snow to create a slab avalanche hazard on the higher elevation
mountaineering routes, particularly when drifted by the wind. Be wary of
recently developed windslabs in leeward areas (N Glacier route on Athabasca,
for example). This condition should stabilize rapidly with the warm
temperatures this weekend.
It looks like a glorious weekend ahead. Trees in the valley bottoms show a hint
of yellow, today?s temperatures were cool, while the mountains were white and
glistening in the sunshine. The waning days of a beautiful summer are upon us ?
enjoy!
Grant Statham
Mountain Guide
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