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ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued November 1, 2012
Winter season is definitely upon us.
Good skiing is being found up high in the Columbia/Monashee region with a fairly high freezing level for this time of year. Snowpack in this area at treeline probably ranges from about 60cm to over a meter. Conditions below treeline will be very rugged (or even dry) for a while yet so be prepared to walk or abuse your gear.
In the Canadian Rockies the usual high elevation early season destinations are being skied, such as Rae Glacier, Robertson Glacier, and the Wapta with decent coverage on the glaciers (in the 100cm range). Forget about skiing anywhere below treeline right now.
The typical early season Rockies ice climbs are getting climbed in the high north locations such as R&D, Stanley Headwall and so on.
Snow in alpine areas has accumulated to the point where we need to be concerned about avalanche hazard. On October 23rd British Columbia had the first avalanche fatality of the season when a surveyor was swept over a cliff by a small avalanche near Stewart. This is exactly the kind of situations that ice climbers need to be cautious of right now. High alpine climbing and skiing can get you onto and beneath big features that by now have enough snow for a large, destructive avalanche.
If you do venture onto glaciers in the next couple of months be especially vigilant in protecting yourself against crevasse hazards. The surface snow may be great for skiing, but bridges will be thin and weak.
Ice climbs at this time of year can be excellent, with interesting, thin climbing on plastic ice, but remember to ease in and get your head back into the game. Local forums like Gravsports-ice are the place to go to find up to the minute beta on specific route conditions.
Finally, it?s been cold and wet for a while and shows no sign of warming up much. Remember to bring lots of clothing and have a plan for dealing with the cold in the event of an accident.
Tom Wolfe
ACMG Mountain Guide
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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.
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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.
See http://informalex.org/subscribe.shtml/unsubscribe to remove your name from
this list.
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