Given the warm temps and excellent rock climbing conditions, one tends to forget how much snow is still left in upper elevations, namely in the start and feeding zones of many large avalanche paths that threaten rock climbs like the new base climbs on Mt. Cascade East Face or the Bourgeau slabs above the Sunshine Parking to name a few. This first heat wave is kicking in early and quite abruptly after higher elevations had just recently received fresh snow. Overnight re-freezes are long gone and water is perculating through the snow in huge amounts until they find a possible bed surface to travel along......attached is a shot from my deck of a healthy slab avalanche on the N aspect of the Big Sister which must have happened today.....
On The Map
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.