[MCR] ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued June 19th, 2014

ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued June 19th, 2014 It is most certainly still spring in the mountains. Valleys are mainly lush and green and the alpine is mainly deep and white. Treeline is a mixed bag of all that. I spent the last two days in the O'Hara alpine and it was "busy" shedding snow. BIG avalanche cycle starting around noon on Tuesday with moist point releases gathering mass and most just kept getting bigger(up to size 3) till they hit enough dry or flat ground to stop them. Less activity on Wednesday but still it was all a day to be very careful about what was over your head. Snow cover varies greatly across the ranges but as a gross generalization, south and west facing terrain is closer to snow free. The east side of the ranges generally have less snow. Above treeline anywhere close to the divides, most places would have snow and alpine north is white almost everywhere. The nights are short so good freezes are possible but will require a cold and clear night and even then, may not give a full depth freeze. Use a probe to see how deep the freeze is and consider the sun effect is if you are going to commit to some big snow slope or glacier crossing. Approaches and descents could be nasty post-holing affairs, especially in snow covered rocks and bush if your timing or planning is off. Walking into places like the Bugaboos or Abbott Pass could be torturous right now if there is still snow on the trails. Weather looks good for the weekend and low elevation rock, dry range scrambling and some alpine climbs could be in fine shape. Summer is coming but it ain't quite here yet! 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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