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ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued June 29,2013
People have been easing into the backcountry over the past few days. The Trans Canada is now open to traffic allowing access to the Mountain Parks, but much of Kananaskis country remains closed due to washouts and road closures from last weeks torrential rains. In the eastern regions, trails are being assessed daily, but the scope of the damage and resources it will require to rebuild means that it will take time to reopen, so be patient. Check the Parks Canada and Kananaskis Country websites for up to date road and trail closures/conditions.
In the eastern regions, people have been climbing on Yamnuska and crags such as Grassi Lakes, although I would watch out for increased rockfall hazard from above due to the previous rains. The Ghost river has been highly affected below the big hill, with continued high river levels. Eisenhower Tower on Castle Mountain was reported to have normal trail and route conditions.
The high peaks in the Lake Louise, Lake Ohara region which were affected less by the floods are still snowy with cornicing along the high ridges. Without a solid overnight freeze, these may not be a great idea with the forecast warm temperatures over the weekend. Lower elevation rock routes such as Wiwaxy are mainly dry. The Columbia Icefields area has typical conditions for this time of year.
Out west in Rogers Pass, which escaped the floods, the rock climbing season is in full swing, and routes on the West face of Mount Macdonald have been climbed numerous times. Other southerly rock routes such as Mount Tupper look to be in good condition. Some deeper slab avalanche releases and cornice failures have been noted there in the last few days, and with the expected heat, more could be in store. The Bugaboos road is reportedly in good shape and there is still snow around the Kain hut elevation (2230m).
It will be a great weather weekend to venture into the mountains. In the eastern ranges, watch for the potential of increased rockfall in the short term. In the bigger peaks out west, watch out for heat related avalanche issues.
Have a good weekend
Steve Holeczi
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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