[MCR] ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued August 23, 2012

ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued August 23, 2012 Not much change since last week?s summary. Excellent alpine conditions continue in both the Rockies and Columbias. Some guides are referring to conditions as ?near perfect? and ?as good as it gets?. The rock is dry and many routes are seeing considerable traffic. With the difficult conditions we experienced at the beginning of the season, this is welcome! As the end of August approaches and with the continuing warm temperatures and fair weather, routes that are not really that good are ones with icy gully features such as Mt. Lefroy or some of the narrower gullies between the Swiss Peaks. There are no recent reports about the Bugaboo/Snowpatch col but I would expect that the rock-fall hazard there has increased. With ice and more potential for rock-fall, these types of features will require careful assessment especially if considered as descent options or escape routes later in the day. Crevasses crossings in most places are still reasonable but not quite the hike th ey were in mid-July. With the dry conditions, one of the considerations will be availability of water during the day and/or at bivouac sites, planned and unplanned. The next 24 hours may bring some precipitation but so far this looks like light amounts only. This could change conditions with a possible light dusting of snow up high. Other than on high north facing terrain, this should melt quickly as the weekend looks like nice weather again. It appears that we are still in for some fine conditions until the end of the month so enjoy it while it lasts! Marc Ledwidge UIAGM 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.
See http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.
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