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Mountain Conditions Summary for the Rockies and
Columbia Mountains issued Sept 19th, 2006
Nine grey and sloppy days in a row now in
the alpine of the Rockies and Selkirks. Snowpack depths vary widely but
expect at least patchy snow at treeline. 15-30cms snow in the alpine in the
rockies and more in some interior locations. Generally it has been a relatively
warm(hanging around 0c) and relatively calm week in the alpine with lots of
cloud and only light precipitation.
Very limited observations. However, in the last
four days at Lake Ohara I saw size 1-2 wet avalanches with a few rocks
onboard coming out of steep terrain every time the sun came out. Good
travel on the Opabin glacier today but I had no interest in wandering anywhere
near big slopes like Lefroy or the west face of Hungabee.
Even moderate elevation rock routes like Castle and
Louis are still a little white and probably very wet as of this afternoon.
Not quite cold enough for any reasonable waterfall
ice or decent mixed climbing below 4000m's.
If you are desperate, there is probably some decent
wet snow skiing up high somewhere. Stability is widley variable but
definetly will deteriorate quickly in the sun and on warm days. The rocks
and ice are just under the surface. Stick to mellow terrain or better yet, watch
a good movie.
Larry Stanier
Mountain Guide
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