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Climbing Conditions Cirque of the Towers/Wind Rivers

Original Post
John Barkhausen · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2009 · Points: 205

I'm trying to plan a trip up to the Cirque in early May and I was wondering if anyone has been up there lately and seen how much snow is up there. We want to trad climb and are hoping that most of the routes and the approach will be clear of snow. Thanks for any info or any help is finding a website that might have that info.

Bryan Feinstein · · Jackson, WY · Joined Dec 2008 · Points: 20

I will preface this statement with the fact that I have never been to the Cirque. However, I highly doubt that the approach will be free of snow. The approaches to SOUTH facing climbs in the Tetons typically have snow through late May to early June. Even though it was a relatively low snow year, the Winds likely received more snow than the Tetons this Winter due to the split flow. It will probably be variable alpine conditions. There is also the potential for significant snowfall in the Winds throughout May.

Brian in SLC · · Sandy, Utah · Joined Oct 2003 · Points: 21,711
John Barkhausen wrote:I'm trying to plan a trip up to the Cirque in early May and I was wondering if anyone has been up there lately and seen how much snow is up there. We want to trad climb and are hoping that most of the routes and the approach will be clear of snow. Thanks for any info or any help is finding a website that might have that info.
Eary May? Take skis or snowshoes. The area will be buried in snow.
SteveBechtel · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2008 · Points: 0

There's a LOT of snow up there right now. Still about 2 feet at 8500' - Jackass pass is about 11000' - so I'd expect 3-5' of snow in May. You might consider pushing your trip back about three months...

Brian in SLC · · Sandy, Utah · Joined Oct 2003 · Points: 21,711

I checked the snowtel sites.

Still 26" at Big Sandy Opening. At 10k, 50 inches.

Mid July is lookin' good (!).

Dave Bohn aka "Old Fart" · · Fort Collins, CO · Joined May 2002 · Points: 285

It'll be deep....

Here's whats on the ground right now

SNOTEL data

Lynn S · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2007 · Points: 1,380

Wait until mid to late August, let the mosquitos start to perish.

dan zika · · jax wy · Joined May 2009 · Points: 5

Go with what nature is dishin' that time of year east side of winds can get nasty storms wyo style. Sinks getting a couple feet. Check
out fremont canyon great crack action & decent weather

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Colorado
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