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2015-16 Colorado Ice Conditions

Alexander K · · The road · Joined Oct 2014 · Points: 130
Xam wrote:Any word on Hidden Falls lately? Would like to give it one last try Sunday when all the Front Range rock gets shut down by the snow.
If they don't plow Sunday morning you might not be able to drive in there. Probably getting 2+ feet up there.
Kevin Zagorda · · Glen Haven, Co · Joined Jul 2008 · Points: 600
Xam wrote:Any word on Hidden Falls lately? Would like to give it one last try Sunday when all the Front Range rock gets shut down by the snow.
I haven't been back into Wild Basin in a few weeks, but it was 66 degrees up here yesterday and is back below freezing right now. The main flow probably survived but be careful of the hanging stuff on either side.

As far as the road goes, the approach from the summer entrance if the gate is locked is not that bad on skis, unless we get the upper estimate of 4 feet of snow.
Alton Richardson · · Boulder, CO · Joined Jan 2010 · Points: 170

I climbed at Hidden Falls last week and it was on its last legs. Led the main flow but bailed to anchors due to sherbert ice. With this new storm though, it could easily shape back up. All the hanging stuff is done and that column on the far far right is done too. May have even fallen down since we were there.

Kevin Zagorda · · Glen Haven, Co · Joined Jul 2008 · Points: 600

There is very little snow in Estes Park. The roads are clear, but Allenspark had 21 inches of snow so it may be worse at Wild Basin.

The Blueprint Part Dank · · FEMA Region VIII · Joined Jun 2013 · Points: 460
Jameshew12 wrote:Park ranger said that they received a total of 19 inches around the entrance
Thanks Obama
Scott McMahon · · Boulder, CO · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 1,425

Clear creek just needs a good cold snap and should be good to go. :o)

Jeremy Espinoza · · Denver, CO · Joined Jun 2011 · Points: 80

Anybody been in the longs/meeker area since the snow? I was hoping to do Flying Dutchman this weekend. I assume the snow ruined the chances of that, but thought I would check just in case.

Mike McNeil · · Spearfish, South Dakota · Joined Feb 2007 · Points: 1,555

Ice was coming down all over the place on the cliffs above empire on Sunday. Probably long gone.

MyFeetHurt · · Glenwood, CO · Joined Oct 2011 · Points: 10

Anyone seen AMU lately? I'm guessing it will go from snow loaded to falling down pretty quick, but maybe it still gets climbed this time of the year?

CBW Warner · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2010 · Points: 30

Martha, RMNP, was in great shape on April 25th. WI3 through the crux.

The Blueprint Part Dank · · FEMA Region VIII · Joined Jun 2013 · Points: 460
CBW wrote:Martha, RMNP, was in great shape on April 25th. WI3 through the crux.
Pics?
Scott McMahon · · Boulder, CO · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 1,425
Jameshew12 wrote:Storm warning of 10-20 inches. So that might make it a powder fest up there. We're driving out from Michigan today and should arrive the evening of the 29th for 15 days. Planning to camp in the park each night and do couloirs. Lets hope the weather improves...
Just a word of caution my friend. Couloir is a fancy french way of saying avalanche gully.
Scott McMahon · · Boulder, CO · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 1,425

John is totally correct. I usually only dig a pit to get an idea of what the previous storms layers look like, and that is usually in new areas. I always try to watch the CAIC site so i know what's been happening all season storm and weather wise. Big picture is important plus the hours, days and weeks leading up. There are plenty of tests that start before you leave the house, and just watching weather (temps, clouds etc.) that all factor in. And of course TERRAIN is a huge aspect of avalanche mitigation.

One additional thing to note is they are talking a potential 2 feet on eastern slopes in the front range.

I can say with fair confidence that climbing any couliors during this cycle before it settles its solidly a bad idea which may result in someones death.

Of course that is my opinion and take that as you will, but keep in mind the externalities of your choices (SAR, families etc.) Please be highly prepared and don't be afraid to back off at any point. Don't ruin your trip by being dead.

The Blueprint Part Dank · · FEMA Region VIII · Joined Jun 2013 · Points: 460
Scott McMahon wrote:keep in mind the externalities of your choices (SAR, families etc.) Please be highly prepared and don't be afraid to back off at any point. Don't ruin your trip by being dead.
Great word, and great point
Eric Haye · · Boulder · Joined Dec 2005 · Points: 25

My buddy Brice and I had planned to take a shot at Martha today. Hiking up was fine but above treeline we encountered a ton of snow and no trail marks (in the correct direction). There was no wind and temps were great, very light snow but zero visibility. We made our way up to the Chasm Lake junction but never found it. Best to come back another day - anyway good hike with the tools.

Dan Swansinger · · Crested Butte, CO · Joined Dec 2012 · Points: 15

Anyone been out at all lately? Shall we get another thread started?

Xam · · Boulder, Co · Joined Dec 2011 · Points: 76
William Rhyne · · Casper, Wyoming · Joined Sep 2011 · Points: 135

Yes a new thread! I'm thinking about heading up to chasm view with the hopes of Alex's chimney into the notch. I can post conditions if it happens

Rick Casey · · Fort Collins, CO · Joined Oct 2002 · Points: 95
Notchtop, 10/22/16.

The lower icefall is not yet all in...and cornices at the top are a concern....
rich mcfadden · · Meridian Idaho · Joined Mar 2006 · Points: 25

Anyone been on Kieners or north face Longs lately and relay condition report? Thx

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Colorado
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