[MCR] ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued September 4, 2014

ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued September 4, 2014 The mountains saw their first significant snowfall of the fall season over the last couple of days. In most places in the Rockies there was snow down to treeline this morning with 10-30cm at the peak elevations. The trail crew at Ribbon Lake in Kananaskis reported 22cm yesterday morning! The Columbia Mountains saw a slightly higher snowline around 2300m with 10-20cm up near the peaks. The mountains seemed slightly drier to the North with the Columbia Icefields and Jasper areas seeing a little less snow. Some small wind loaded avalanches and 50+cm drifts were reported from the Bugaboos and the Wapta Icefields but in general this snow should stick fairly well over the next few days. Watch for small wind loaded pockets, and for solar triggered sluffing as things warm up. This new snow will melt off quickly from the lower elevation and south facing routes over the next day or two but expect it to remain for a while at higher elevations and on North aspects. We observed lots of rockfall this morning high in an East facing bowl as the snow melted so keep this in mind as you travel. Lower elevation and South facing rock climbs should be in great shape by the weekend. Higher elevation ice faces could also be really good, but make sure to time it so you are off before the snow warms and the rockfall starts. High North facing rock routes would be a bad idea at this point. The new snow has also covered up some of the smaller crevasses and made the glacier travel a bit tricky for the time being. Use your ski pole to probe frequently and keep the rope tight on the ice. The nights are getting longer and the temperatures colder so throw in an extra warm layer and some fresh headlamp batteries while you get out and enjoy the great fall weather over the 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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