I heard the snow pack up there is really deep. Anyone living in the area have an opinion on whether the cirque will be free enough of snow by late July? I know its hard to predict how warm things will get this summer, but I would like to hear peoples opinion. Thanks, Andy

The road into Big Sandy Opening is still buried, but I can't imagine there will be any issues getting to the Cirque by late July. Right now, the snow line is somewhere between 8,000-9,000 ft. Once we have good, consistent warm days, the snow should start melting quickly.

Josh

I'm in the same boat, except looking at early July (July 3). We have flexibility to change location last minute, but would like to stick with the plan. I would appreciate any updates from locals throughout the next few weeks. Thanks.

I'm heading up there in mid August. I'm sure the snow won't be a problem by then but I'm worried that we won't make it to the Big Sandy Trailhead in a Honda Accord. I've been told it's fine, and I've also been told you need high clearance. A big snow year can't make things any easier...

Late July should be 'normal', or at least pretty certain that getting to the Cirque is not an epic, but early July is going to be a different story. So far June has continued cool and wet, I'd set my mind to alpine approaches and descents for Cirque peaks in your mentioned time frame, though the routes themselves, at least the ones that get sun, will probably be in good nick. All depends on the next few weeks... obviously. I'll post an occasional update when I hear current info.
A Honda Accord should get into Big Sandy with only a little careful driving. I wouldn't be too concerned.

1. A lot will be clear by mid-july. I was there that time last year, some ledges still had snow pack, Pingora was perfect though.
2. We made it to big sandy in a Jetta. We were coming on the dirt highway from Lander
Hope that helps everyone. Also, YOU NEED AS MUCH MOSQUITO GEAR AS YOU CAN FIND. They can literally make life unbearible if they are bad while your there. Climbed more than a few pitches with a headnet on.

Thanks for the notes. We'll have an SUV and don't mind a little 'adventure'. We'll also have alpine-ish gear as the next stop is the Bugs. A little snow isn't a problem, but a dry patch for camping and some dry routes would be welcome. Hopefully there's enough snow on the ground to keep the mosquitoes down!

If conditions are too bad, we'll probably head to the Tetons. I would expect a bit less hassle there from the snow, no? As three east-coasters and an Aussie, we don't have to much experience in the area, so any local tips are welcome.

Any updates on conditions? Thanks, Mike.

Ryan, I've done the road to Big Sandy in a '06 Civic, which is about as low clearance as any mass-produced vehicle gets. Watch the puddles/ponds, though, they can get pretty deep.

I'm headed up there in late Aug./early September, I'd love to hear any updates.

Any new snow/condition updates? Can you get to Big Sandy yet? Thanks very much!

Returned from the middle portion of the range about ten days ago. Entered at Boulder Creek 6/13/11, left 6/17/11 (wasn't headed in for technical climbing but I figured the conditions might be interesting for those posting.) Snow line that week was at 8500-9000 feet, very sloppy stuff. Above that snow was good in the morning but by noon postholing was commonplace, even with snowshoes. Lakes above 9000-9500 feet were still at least partially frozen. Also, the rivers/creeks/trails are running very, very high. Good news was I never saw an insect (or another person!).

Planning on heading up to Big Sandy at the end of August and was told by the Big Sandy lodge that you have to have a 4 wheel drive to get up there.
Reading these comments makes me feel better about bringing a car and saving gas.
Also my friend and I are looking for anyone that would be interested in riding with us and help with driving time. We are from Georgia so if anyone is in the area and wants to go to the wind river let me know.

Anyone have any recent info or pictures? Thanks

The temps have been super hot lately and the snow is disappearing. You're going to find some varied conditions. Several hundred feet of dry trail, followed by another hundred feet of rotten, post-holing snow. You should be able to find dry camping spots and be able to find running water. The routes, especially the sunny ones, should be fairly clear.
I personally haven't been to the cirque this year, but I was running around the deep lakes area and they should have similar conditions.
You should be good to go by the end of the month.

Thanks Sean, I'm sure we will see some snow, but I'm optimistic it won't stop us from getting to the climbs.

I was up there last weekend. The approach isn't too bad to Big Sandy Lake, but jack ass pass is still snowed in. The runoff is also pretty bad still, not so much too fast but incredibly cold. Haystacks could be approachable, but we didn't have time to find out.

I did see 2 other groups both going for extended stays that might break trail over jackass.

The snow is just shit right now. Totally isothermic, and not cold enough to get a reasonable freeze to walk on early in the morning.

Edit: We saw LOTS of water weeping out of haystack and other areas. Pick climbs that are high on whatever formation you're going up to help with that. Also, lots of snow still on lower slabs of any moderately sheltered formations.

I was part of one of the groups that Brice saw. We hiked in to the Cirque on July 3, breaking trail through fairly heavy snow below Jackass Pass. We found probably the only dry campsite just north of the pass. Our party of 4 was joined the next day by a party of 2, who stayed up at the pass. A couple other parties made their way in over the course of the week.

Over the next few days we climed K Cracks (flowing water on all pitches), Pingora's NE face (great conditions), and a route on Mitchell. Approaches are still snow, some steep and icy. Crampons could be helpful to get to some routes. Ee had neither crampons or snowshoes and managed. Pingora's East Face Left was also climbed later in the week.

The snow is melting fast and there are now more dry tent sites open. Mosquitoes were rapidly increasing in number as we left, and are thick at the trailhead. The trail in is now much drier, though still covered in snow in places. However, we never found the snow to be too bad, with only minimal postholing. The marmots and pikas were relentless, but we saw no signs of bears.

In general, conditions for the next few weeks will be reasonable, with some routes being a little wet due to melting snow high on the peaks. I think almost all routes are climbable for those willing to deal with a bit of snow on the approach. We had a great time and it was nice to avoid the crowds.

We had an SUV, but the drive in should be fine for a car.

Mike

I was wondering if any of you guys might post up. Glad to know you made it over and got some shit done. Wish we could have stayed.

Bump for any updates...

Thanks!

Going up there in a week anyone have info on conditions and bugs?

Mosquitoes rule. An unusually severe season for bugs. If you're lucky there will be a frost between now and when you go in. If you're not, get ready for a memorable experience.
Climbing conditions are now quite favorable. There's snow getting over Jackass Pass but it's not a hazard or real problem.

Howdy. Some friends and I are going to be making the hike into Gannett Peak on Saturday, August 13. Has anyone been back there recently? What are the conditions like for snow and bugs? Any help would be much appreciated!

I came out about a week ago from Gannett, went in from Elkhart. We were on snow as you turn the corner below Helen on our way up Dinwoody/ Bonney Pass. Glaciers and the mtn are all fat. You will want crampons/ axe for sure.

The schrund was easy, but get beta from more recent ascentionists, the south couloir may be a better summit option for ascent if the schrund is getting wide.

Bugs were BAD til we got into Titcomb Basin and it had frosted at night. Go well prepared.

I was in there the second week of July. The Cirque had a lot of snow, but it was all clear up to Jackass Pass. I can't stress enough how absolutely miserable the mosquitoes were. I HIGHLY recommend you bring some candles or other type of area bug defense and absolutely a head net.

While you're moving, they bugs stay away, but stop for 45 seconds to adjust your pack or re-tie your boots and they'll swarm by the thousands. We got fed up with the bites and bailed out for the Tetons.

Hopeful bump- any more recent bug/snow reports?