[MCR] ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued May 31, 2012

ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued May 31, 2012 Spring conditions persist in the Rockies and interior ranges this weekend. The weather forecast is a mixed bag with things looking quite a bit drier on the east side of the Continental Divide. Good to excellent alpine climbing conditions have been reported recently on the classic routes of the Columbia Icefields but these will be very dependent on overnight freezes and good timing. There have also been reports of parties turning around due to difficult deep snow and spindrift conditions on some of the harder routes like Asteroid Alley and the Andromeda Strain. Still lots of snow in the higher parts of K-Country with people skiing on the Robertson glacier. Similar, winter like conditions persist in all but the driest front range parts of the forecast area. Alpine climbing in places like the Bugaboos and Rogers Pass are still a ways off. The main hazards to keep an eye open for in the alpine right now revolve around daytime temperatures rising and affecting snow stability, cornices and crevasse bridging. Below treeline the main hazards are creeks rising during the day (Cougar and Grotto in particular), ticks, and bears being kept at the low elevations waiting for the snow to melt. Things to do this weekend? Sport Climbing anywhere in the Rockies should be pretty good, low elevation south facing front country alpine rock routes are coming into shape (be ready for snow on the shady descents), classic mountaineering and ski mountaineering at the icefields if the nights are clear and cold enough. Have Fun! Marc Piché 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.

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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.