[MCR] ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columb

Subject: [MCR] ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued September 08, 2011
Date: 9 Sep 2011 02:24:46 -0000

ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued September 08, 2011

As Larry mentioned earlier today, conditions throughout the forecast area are more like what you would expect in late July than early September with the main difference being the rapidly shortening days.

WEATHER
We are looking at one of the best weather forecasts of the summer throughout the Rockies and Columbia Mountains, hot days and long cold nights. Unusually warm to hot temperatures can be expected all the way to mountain top on the sunny sides but you can expect it to be quite a bit colder in the shade above 3000m

GENERAL CONDITIONS
Most of the snow from last week?s storm has melted on the sunny sides but is still lingering on the higher shady aspects. The warm temperatures and melting snow have been causing rock fall later in the day and wet snow avalanches are still possible. A few of the classic ice north face route (Shooting Gallery, Asteroid Alley, Andromeda Strain) have been seeing traffic but you can expect to have some rock fall to deal with as well as some unconsolidated snow climbing when things warm up.

On sunnier aspects and lower elevations much of the new snow and verglass reported last week has melted off. Most of the long alpine rock routes on solar aspects in the Bugaboos and Rogers Pass are snow free and good to go but a bit of ice and snow can be expected in high and shady areas.


HAZARDS
With the warm temperatures and lots of melting, rock fall is still a concern as the days heat up. In general lingering cornices continue to shrink but in some unusual cases may still pose a concern which is uncommon for this time of year. Glaciers are still in pretty good shape, but keeping an eye out for thinly bridged crevasses and keeping the rope tight in suspect areas should be a priority.

Have a great weekend.

Marc Piché
ACMG Mountain Guide


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.