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ACMG Mountain Conditions Summary for the Rockies
and Columbia Mountains issued Oct. 23rd, 2008.
Very little change in the mountains in the past
week with one exception. Even though it was a bit warmer this week than last, it
has been cool enough for climbable ice to form in the alpine in a few places.
Stanley headwall was still wet and thin last weekend but as that is a serious
icebox it should be improving. (Improving into steep, thin ice and
mixed climbs:). Ranger Ck has climbable ice and almost no snow. David
Thompson highway corridor sounds very snow and ice free. There is more ice
forming by the minute somewhere but expect a chance of getting skunked and
keep a wary eye on the flowing water, the temperatures and how well the ice is
stuck to the stone.
Snow avalanches are still most likely restricted to
gullies and lee features at treeline and above in the Rockies. The wind has been
hammering the snow in the open as usual. Snowline is much more firmly
established in the Columbias. A recent report from a lovely Glacier park
warden went something like this "Still
10cm at the pass, disappearing to either side. Snowline is
firmly
down to 1300 meters, with places like MacDonald W Shoulder looking very
white. Saw some solar sluffs from terrain above NRC to size 1, but running
far downstream."
Glacier travel has not improved at all. Bridges may
be slightly easier to see but have not gained any strength.
Skiing is still a desperate act, even in the
Columbias.
Check out the first avalanche bulletin of the
season from the good folks at Glacier Park. See link below.
Larry Stanier
ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide
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