ACMG Mountain Conditions
Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued October 9th,
2008.
A beautiful, cold day in the mountains. The snow
from the past 48hrs varies from 5 to 20cms along the continental divide of the
Rockies and throughout the Columbias. There were reports of more significant
snow in the columbias over the past weekend also. -10 degrees Celsius at
Skoki and -6 in Lake Louise and Canmore this morning. Brrrr!!!
No significant wind reported anywhere in the parks
today. However, there was signs of drifting so
there was probably wind during the storm yesterday.
There has just been enough snow and probably enough
wind to form scattered slabs in the alpine. With the lack of detailed
observations, simplicity may be the best approach for this weekend. Avoid the
big fat-looking white places!! Remember that the consequences of an early season
ride in an avalanche can be especially nasty. Being buried is bad enough but
with all the rocks and trees not padded yet, a world of hurt
awaits!!
Lots of ice is forming but a wily observer saw
nothing climbable in the Bow Headwall, Lake Louise or Rundle area.The
alpine is the only hope, but again fresh windslabs and cornices are a concern on
the approach slopes and especially in any gullies.
Glacier travel is just getting trickier with each
little tinkle of snow. There is enough recent storm snow to hide the
crevasses again without any meaningful gain in bridging strength.
Castle, Louis, Bugaboo spires etc are all freshly
snow covered. South faces may be climbable on steep rock in a couple of days but
the cool temps mean it will be a slow process and there will be some lovely
verglas along the way. North facing rock is guaranteed greasy for at least a few
days if not months.
It looks like a beautiful weekend to be out in the
mountains. Pick your objectives very carefully as the alpine is rough, slippery,
white and cold and the nights are getting to be very long. Still, the
right project could be a great last adventure before winter becomes the
reality.
Larry Stanier
ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide
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