[MCR] ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued September 13, 2013

ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued September 13, 2013 Overall conditions continue to be excellent for scrambling, rock climbing and alpine rock routes for the coming weekend. The most recent storm snow has melted off all but the most Northerly aspects above 3000m and the mountains again are very dry. With warm and sunny weather forecast until Monday this is a great chance to go finish off some summer projects! The current weather system has resulted in freezing levels well above 3500m over the last few days throughout all the mountain ranges and is forecast to continue. This has cleaned most of the recent snow off the alpine faces and exposed the summer ice and snow surfaces again. Overnight recovery of the remaining snow pack has been minimal and crusts are breaking down very quickly once the sun hits them. High north facing snow and ice is faring better due to the longer nights and lower sun position of the fall season, but snow melt induced rock fall remains a concern until things cool down. If you are climbing steep snow or ice routes be prepared to start very early and turn back if conditions are too warm or soft. The open bergschrunds and crevasses following the hot dry summer are making glacier route finding more challenging in many places. (This is something to keep in mind once the snow arrives and starts bridging these areas in the next few months.) Bugaboo/Snowpatch Col in particular is still messy with rock fall, open crevasses and exposed ice and should be treated with caution or avoided when things are hot. Some precipitation is expected early next week but until then, make sure your headlamp batteries are fresh and get out and enjoy the fabulous fall weather this weekend! Conrad Janzen 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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