The great melt out has begun from the high peaks and there has been a
widespread avalanche cycle triggered by both the high temperatures of last
weekend and the recent rainfall. The cycle has been reported from all areas
in the Columbias and Rocky Mountains. Numerous large avalanches have run
from all aspects in the alpine and at treeline, many of them deep slabs
that have pulled out to ground or down to early season crusts near the
bottom of the snowpack. Many of these slides have run nearly to the valley
bottom and buried some of the hiking trails. Most trails above 2000 metres
are still snow covered in the main ranges and foot penetration is to ground
off of the packed trails.
The snowpack is isothermal or nearly so at most elevations and the forecast
is calling for monsoon like rains through Saturday, at least for the areas
east of the Columbia Trench, so Alpine climbing will not be in the cards
for the weekend.
The lower elevation south facing crags are drying out and reports are of
good conditions on Yamnuska and EEOR with still some snow on the descents.
If it dries out on Sunday, these might offer some good climbing. The back
of Lake Louise is mostly dry and overhanging areas might also be OK.
Watch out for high stream levels as lower elevation streams and creeks are
running high and can be expected to go higher with another 30mm of
precipitation in the forecast.
With a cool upper trough anchored over Alberta for the next few days, drier
conditions will be found west so a trip to Skaha might be in order.
The freezing level for snow has been hovering around 2200-2500 metres, so
you can expect new snow if you are still planning a ski trip to the
Icefields. Travel may be alright at upper elevations, but keep in mind the
potential for long runouts from steep slopes as the avalanche danger from
isothermal slabs will still persist. Bring your white out navigation
equipment and some dice for the hut and hope for some sunny breaks on
Sunday.
Brad White
ACMG/IFMGA
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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.
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