![]()
ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the South Coastal Mountains issued July 14 2011
It sure is an unusual summer! The higher peaks in these ranges have received regular dumps of snow. The rocks and ground are warm, the long summer days dries things out pretty quick, although the cooler snow and glaciers surfaces are retaining some of the storm snow for longer periods.
Weather:
A cool moist and unsettled airmass continues to stream from the N Pacific on to the coastal areas. Pulses of rain showers and snow flurries persist in the alpine areas with short lived breaks between. Timing these breaks is the key to having dry conditions!
The weather pattern will change at some point, but not much change for the weekend. This weather provides opportunities though!
Snow conditions:
The increased low elevation snow coverage, means easier travel to the remoter areas. The lingering snow is also providing better bridging over bergshrounds and crevasses etc.., Some of the mid-summer, knee jarring descents, can be by-passed with luxurious bum slides!
The sun-cups are not very developed on the west slope of the ranges, but they are probably are forming in the dry side of the Cascades. Some folks are still skiing, and others have been mountaineering successfully. I expect that South aspects will dry quickly between storms.
However, some hazards are more pronounced with this unusual cool season. What come to mind are:
1) Melting snow on outcrops and ledges will contribute to the threat of rockfalls
2) Crevasses may skimmed over with storm snow, this combined with flat light will mask crevasses! (particularly on the higher mountains after snowfall events)
3) Avalanche debris and gully features will often have water-eroded "caverns" underneath them. Snow patches in depressions like gullies often provide easy travel but can be super dangerous. Keep that in mind if you are drawn into these features. Remember, visible footprints or glissading tracks do not mean that these gullies and depressions are safe to cross. Use extra care if there is running water under the snow!
4) Cornices that normally fall off in late spring still remain in some spots, and can create avalanches that run far down slopes. I saw a large cornice fall in Bella Coola 2 weeks ago. The cornice entrained some snow lower down and ran well below treeline, the debris crossed a pleasant walking bench in its track!
5) There have been reports of 2 large slab avalanches on Mt Currie, and Joffre areas. (sz 3 to 3+). With the unsettled weather, and limited observations it is hard to know if these are random isolated events, or a symptom of the unusual weather. Will there be more of these releases in the coming week?
6) There have been a few Bear attacks reported,..The late spring has delayed normal berry eating and this may effect bear habits
7) Generally the creeks are running high. Creek crossings may be more difficult this summer and the high water period being prolonged.
All in all conditions are more like June than July. The days are getting shorter, the weather remains cool and moist. For those who prefer late summer mountain trips, this is OK. The snow coverage will be in good shape for some time yet.
Paul Berntsen
ACMG/UIAGM
|
![]()
|
![]()
|
![]()
|
|
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.
|
_______________________________________________
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.
|