Weather
We spent 3 days in the Elk Range near Mt. Storelk on the west side of Hwy 40. Our groups started in the snow from a trailhead south of Highwood Pass. The previous days storm had deposited 5-15cm in this area with the amounts depending on aspect and elevation. The snow only remained in patches on north aspects by the end of the trip. We had nights down to -3C (@ 2075 m) but comfortable daytime temperatures and a warming trend over the course of the trip.

Travel Conditions
Travel was generally slow due to heavy vegetation up to 2200m, with alders, thick brush & deadfall. There were a few intermittent game trails and scramblers trails in some areas which lead to faster travel. Creek crossings were at a manageable level (ankle-knee high) depending on the location.
We noted that the snow and melt-freeze conditions caused sporadic rockfall, often in the morning, on steep east facing alpine walls.

Wildlife
We only experienced a few mosquitos in one marshy alpine meadow; the rest of the trip was bug free which made for a pleasant experience at camp.
Wildlife observations included grizzly tracks and digs, as well as some evidence of ungulate activity including mountain goat, sheep, and moose tracks.
There are many wildflowers in bloom. We estimated seeing over 25 different varieties.

Kirsten Knechtel MG
Adam Burrell MG
Glen Reisenhofer HG
and the Apprentice Hiking Guide Exam Group