RMNP Snow Conditions

Dragonstail was still in beautiful shape yesterday when I strolled up it........be on it early though I started from the base @5 am, and was on top before 7.....and when that sun warms up it gets to slop fast......

The left top fork still has a cornice on it....

Trail in was good, and I skied out on sweet corn.......

BUT you need to be at it EARLY.........

I was back to my car @8am.........

Funny thing I was the only person on it......maybe some one came in later but I had perfect conditions for going up.....

CHEERS...........

Phil Lauffen wrote:Are there any alpine rock routes that are reasonable right now?

Chad and I walked past the Petit to play around on Taylor Peak on Saturday. The Petit looks awesome - totally dry and sunny, but I'd bring waterproof boots for the approach. There is still lots of snow on the approach but it is crunchy if you walk through it early in the morning after a cold night. When we passed through, you could easily stay on top of it without flotation.

I really wanna do that climb but I think its going to be a while before I forget how miserable that approach is...

Dropping down the NE face of Mt. Nimbus (12.7k) from the summit on 6/10/11.
Left the Phantom Valley Ranch trailhead at 8am- skied up just south of "Hells Hip Pocket" and due west below Red Mountain and up the NE slopes on Nimbus to reach the N. Ridge which was skiable to the summit. Reached the top at 11:30 and started down at noon when the corn was peaking. Stability is high/avi danger low in this perfect, clear night weather regime which is keeping the corn cycle pretty perfect and should continue for another 4 weeks or more. Cornice collapses are the primary danger along with spots that are too hot at lower elevation and especially on rocky, south-facing stuff after noon.
Carried the skis 30 minutes each at the start and finish of the tour.

Eli,

Nice photo! Looks like perfect corn!

I was skiing at Hidden Valley that day.

Which trailhead did you use? How much skinning and how much ski packing? What time did you start?

Thanks!

Nobody really cares I'm sure, but took these photos this morning.

The Diamond.

The cirque is still socked full with snow, but you may be able to get away without flotation.

Thanks for the sick photos Phil. Here's some of the Glacier Gorge area, taken from the divide a few days back.

Glacier Gorge, 6-16.

Phil, I was going to post some pics but yours pretty much tell the story. Went up Dreamweaver on Sunday (06/19) and it was in great shape. Firm snow, decent ice through the steps, minimal bare rock. The second step was pure rock but by heading around to the right (toward the bench) there was a pretty fat ice line.

Thick new snow draping Longs and Meeker this morning from last nights downpour. Will post photos once the view is completely clear.