ACMG Mountain Conditions Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued June 1st, 2017

Warm, grey and humid in most of the Rockies and Columbia Mountains either at present or sometime today. A bit of snow and rain has fallen overnight according to the few weather stations still up and reporting. From the limited reports it looks like it has been fairly calm in the past 24 hrs most places with some moderate to strong winds from the SW along the Rockies Divide.

The snowpack has continued to retreat uphill and generally matured into spring conditions. Travel conditions and the avalanche, cornice and crevasse hazard will be mostly about the current strength of the snow and forecasting how the days sun, temperatures and maybe rain will change its strength. BIG wet avalanches are still possible and loose wet avalanches certain if the snow gets weak enough. Remember that the nights are short so there is currently a only a brief window for a good freeze to happen.

Good ski travel is still possible and in the big snow country/Icefields you may be walking awhile to get to the snow but big contiguous ski lines are still up there.

Alpine rock routes are drying out along the eastern parts of the ranges and on the south faces. Rockfall from snowmelt will still be a concern on the snowy/shady routes. Also be aware that a few of those trustworthy holds from years gone by may be loose after going through another winter season of melting and freezing water in the cracks.

Rivers and creeks are running high and I would guess that many treeline and alpine lakes are too soft for walking and too stiff for swimming.

Larry Stanier
ACMG Mountain Guide