[MCR] ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued May 30, 2014

ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued May 30, 2014 In most of the main ranges the snowline remains below treeline with winter conditions still present in the high alpine. Some difficult travel in isothermal snow may be required to gain access to the upper elevations, but travel at higher elevations is reported to be quite good especially following an overnight freeze. Skis and ski crampons are probably still the weapons of choice at up high. Several ski traverses and ski mountaineering trips have been completed this past week in the Southern Monashees, Central Selkirks and the Rockies with good travel conditions when things are frozen. There is still 2.5m of snow at 1900m on Mt Fidelity and between 1.15-1.75m at 2200m in the Rockies. A few alpine snow and ice routes have been getting climbed such as Popes Peak in Lake Louise and Athabsca in the Columbia Icefields however the window of good travel can be short at this time of year so wait for a good freeze and start early! The main alpine hazards to watch for are cornice falls, loose wet avalanches and rock fall, all of which will increase with daytime heating. Glacier travel is still good in general but watch for sagging bridges as temperatures warm up. Bringing avalanche gear is a good idea. Rock climbing on solar aspects in the front ranges of the Rockies and at lower elevations in the Columbia`s has been very good. As always watch for more loose rock in spring, especially on routes that have not been travelled much. Northerly aspects or higher elevation rock routes still have wet areas or snow patches. The ticks are out and hungry so check carefully when you get down from your climbs. Bears and other animals are also being forced to stay down low by the snow levels and are being encountered regularly so be prepared. Finally the rivers and creeks are rising so be prepared to deal with higher water especially in the late afternoon on your way down from a climb or ski. The weather looks pretty good for the weekend especially for rock climbing. Warm temperatures, little or no precipitation and generally clear skies are forecast. Not sure whether or not there will be much of a freeze but if the skies are clear you might get lucky with some good snow conditions as well. Enjoy the spring conditions! 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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