[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 16, 2011
Date: 16 Sep 2011 15:50:36 -0000

ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued September 16, 2011

Our excellent season for alpine climbing continues, with enthusiastic reports of great autumn weather (that seems more like summer) and great climbing coming out of the Bugs, Dogtooth range, Rocky Mountains, and Kootenays.

WEATHER
The weather pattern this past week began to break down a bit with northeasterly winds, cooler temperatures, some cloud, and a minor amount of precipitation in the eastern ranges of the Rockies early in the week from a brief upslope storm.

The forecast looks mixed, with continued cool temperatures and precipitation starting this weekend and increasing later in the week.

CONDITIONS
Mountain conditions throughout the western ranges continue to be excellent.

Great travel on the glaciers and snow and ice routes. Good freezes up high.

Generally dry alpine rock climbing, except on high sheltered aspects above 2700m.

HAZARDS
Small point release avalanches have been reported only on steeper solar aspects.

Rockfall and cornice issues have been reasonable with the cool temperatures.

Depending on whether the forecast precipitation amounts materialize this weekend, alpine rock conditions could deteriorate with snow cover and/or verglass. Snow and ice routes should continue to be in good shape throughout the week, although a larger storm forecast for Wednesday/Thursday could change things especially west of the divide.

Tom Wolfe
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.