A weird weather weekend indeed! Saturday had super high winds in the Eastern
slopes and a cold clear night followed. Sunday saw NW winds bringing in cold
weather, rain, some hail and lightning on Sunday. Not much snow left behind
in the front ranges but along the divide the storm left some snow at upper
elevations. The past few warm days will likely dry things off soon but north
facing slopes may retain some snow / hail higher up.
Fire and Celestine Road Closure: The eastern slopes of Jasper Park were in
typical dry August conditions. Pretty much everything was bone dry and the
winds on Saturday were whipping the Cumnock fire into a frenzy. For those
not watching the Parks bulletins, this fire north of Roche de Smet is easily
visible when climbing in Hidden Valley. This fire is being contained but
allowed to burn. Sunday's rain slowed the fire but it continues to burn. The
Celestine Road past Snaring gate will be closed until further notice.
Ogre Canyon Road Conditions: The rain on Sunday has now deteriorated the
Ogre Canyon Road yet again. A four wheel drive is mandatory once again. With
both Celestine and Ogre roads out of commission the access to Bedson Ridge
is essentially cut off unless you use a boat or 4X4. Before heading into
Bedson you likely also want to chat with Parks regarding the fire first.
Hidden Valley Update: Some folks asked about the dead sheep reported earlier
this summer and whether or not there were still any potential problems with
carnivores. Various creatures made short work of the dead sheep and within
days the carcass was literally stripped completely clean. The bare skeleton
has been scattered around the valley and some bones and fur is about all
that is left. No problems anymore.
Two new routes were put up in Hidden Valley by Dave Devin and I during the
Saturday wind event. These new routes are are the slabs past Schoolhouse and
Spiderman Slab: Earth, Wind & Fire 30m 5.6 - 9 bolts to Super Shuts on a
good ledge / Steppin' Wolf 35m 5.7 - 9 bolts to good ledge. This ledge has
three sets of dual bolt anchors placed in the 1990s for top-roping. The new
routes allow this ledge to be easily reached for groups wanting to do
something different in this area. The rock is solid and very featured and
the routes are predominantly straightforward.
Cavell Conditions and Cavell Road Closure: Cavell was back in good
conditions by Saturday but the rain and hail on Sunday may have dropped some
more snow up high. Perhaps Peter or others can update us on what it looks
like now. Remember that the Cavell Road will be closed for much needed
repair work beginning on September 7 so if you plan to head up that way you
need to do it soon...
Cyril Shokoples MG
Rescue Dynamics
http://www.rescuedynamics.ca
http://www.rescuedynamics.com
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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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