Regional Summaries

Oh, weather. June has performed typically thus far with convective showers persisting across much of the Coast. The weather has behaved like a deranged maniac, stumbling all over the place with persistent drizzle, pockmarked with short-lived periods of sun, then followed by gale force winds ushering in the next batch of weirdness. And it looks like more of the same is on the way based on what I see on the various forecasts I use. None of the models really agree but it seems that the further north on the Coast you are, the more likely you will see rain this weekend.

Summer is slowly staggering into town but there was fresh white dust above Lake Louise again today and the treeline and alpine is still deep in transitional mode along the divides.

Avalanches are still happening in full sun on hot days and possibly in an intense rain and there is always the possibility of new Windslabs up high. Weather looks really variable across the ranges for the next little while so though you could get a fine day of snow conditions I wouldn't be overly certain about perfect conditions for launching out on a multi-day snow travel adventure this weekend.

The mountains are getting ready to welcome us back.

Conditions
All in all conditions are shaping up quite nicely to be back climbing in the alpine. Snow cover is a bit behind that of last year, which was even more snow than usual. Hiking trails are snow-free up to 1200 – 1500m and in the high country, the snow is well enough settled in most places to travel on foot, assuming you don’t mind some post-holing. For those who are still looking for some skiing, soft corn still is possible. Snow is starting to become sun-cupped but until then smooth enough for some ski fun.

Another mixed bag of transitional weather and conditions is in store for the May long weekend.

Weather
The current weather pattern affecting the Rockies and Columbia mountains is upslope in nature - meaning that the farther north and west you find yourself, the better the weather will be. Overnight temperatures are consistently below freezing throughout the forecast zone, while the daytime highs, precipitation and cloud cover vary greatly. Check your local forecast.