[MCR] ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued May 17th, 2013

ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued May 17th, 2013 ACMG Mountain Conditions Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued May 17th, 2013 It is a bit of a cool world in the mountains right now. Temperatures are generally cool and the forecast looks like more grey and cool come sunday. Low elevation rock climbing is probably the best bet right now. There is still snow up high especially as you get close to the divide in all the ranges. Things like Mt Louis, Castle Mtn, Tupper etc would still be snowy on the approaches and there would likely be snow on ledges and shaded gullies. This means we still have some rockfall cycles to go through as that snow melts. Alpine climbing conditions may be ok in places but somewhere above 2800m the remaining cornices are still a big deal. The snowpack has probably gained some strength after the recent big warm spells and now this cool period. Hopefully the cycle of really big spring avalanches triggered by the first hot spell of the spring is over. The potential of smaller wet avalanches in the heat of the day or triggered by rain will be with us for a few weeks yet. Glacier travel is probably pretty good if you get a decent freeze but with a warm snowpack crevasse bridges are probably poor. Keeners are still getting some good skiing in and if we get a clear spell soon there could be some fantastic corn skiing. Keep your eyes wide open for hunting cougars, foraging bears, calving elk, falling rocks and May long weekend drivers. They are all scary at times. Larry Stanier 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.

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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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