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ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued September 11, 2015
After a stormy and wet start we're seeing a (brief) return to summer in the Rockies this week, with sunny skies and a high of 28 C today in Banff. Over the past few days dry climbing has been reported on Nanny Goat, Ha Ling, Yamnuska, The Fold, and Mt. Cory. Expect to deal with snow drifts up to 70 cm and postholing in the alpine. Alpine rock is still pretty wet --the Bugaboos is probably going to be just coming into shape in time for the next storm which is scheduled to arrive later in the weekend.
If you head out on the glaciers expect thinly covered crevasses with weak, unreliable snow bridges. A rope and disciplined probing is a must at this time of the year for safe travel on the ice. Snowpack on glaciers has been reported in the range of 25-40+ cm depending on elevation and wind -- not enough to carry a climber's weight by any means.
There have been unconfirmed reports of medium sized avalanche activity in the Abbots Pass area reaching the trail. Again, not too early to consider brining along your avalanche equipment -- probe, shovel and beacon -- if your climbing objectives include exposure to gullies or wind loaded features. Or maybe just stay away from those places altogether right now.
With the fresh snow and warm temperatures, small loose snow avalanches and rockfall will be a concern as the day warms up.
And, yes, it's still too early to even think about pulling out the skis....
Enjoy the fine weather while it lasts!
Tom Wolfe
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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