The 2013-2014 Colorado Ice Conditions Thread

Are the rumors true? Can it be that The Smear of Fear is actually back in condition? Also, how's Vail looking…Designator etc.

Desi. was fun early last Monday, felt a bit steeper than last time I was on it, had some wetness going though, drips and some soft ice, we were glad to get out before it got too warm. Fang was still up.

Here is a photo of the diamond from yesterday.

Diamond, 3/12/2014.

A.P.Lee wrote:does anyone know how redstone is doing?

Hays is gone and freeflowing

Anyone been up to Silver Plume lately? Just curious if it's still in.

Thanks!!!

Vail ice is fat and fun!
Did Designator and The Fang yesterday. Several fun variations at different grades are possible.

Lake City update: anything south facing is gone. Sherman is in but mostly buried. Walking on the crust to get to anything is best in the morning. Ice park is still going but things are melting quick. River crossing will be gone soon enough. Saw a moose! The extent of what I actually climbed was next to nil :-(

Has anyone been to Lincoln Falls recently? On March 5th it was avi conditions, slides, spindrifts, & cornices, so we walked away.

FYI: Vail is pretty solid still!! If anyone wants to meet us tomorrow (Sunday March 16), please let me know! We led on the rock/ mixed portions today to set up top ropes, but we lack ice-screws!

Anyone know if Total Abandon or Blind Assumption is back in?

TA is rarely in shape in the Spring, usually it dries out over the winter and doesnt return.

BA is much more sheltered and is typically in its best shape in May and even June.

Has anyone been to Lincoln Falls recently? On March 5th it was avi conditions, slides, spindrifts, & cornices, so we walked away.

Lincoln is still pretty good as of Saturday, March 15. The left flow is really wet on the left and really interesting on the right. The main flow is good. The majority of it is covered in snow but the top is sweet. The low pillar and the pillars up high and right are still in but really hacked. Watch out for the ever expanding fracture on the upper right pillars middle section. All in all, still a good place to climb ice for a bit longer. Have fun

Has anyone been up to Black Lake recently? How are things looking? In particular, West Gully. Thanks.

Does anyone have any really recent info on conditions in the San Juans? Specifically wondering about Ames ice hose and bridalveil. Are they still in the same shape as the last posted photos or has it been too warm? What about camp bird?

West Gulley is in good condition and Stoneman looks great right now.

Stoneman.

Bridalveil - 3/17/14.

Bridalveil - 3/17/14.

Bridalveil - 3/17/14.

Thanks for the updates guys! Two questions..

- Anyone know what it's like for Dark Star or Necrophilia right now?

- Has anyone been up to Mount Evans lately? Any ice? What's the approach like?

Has anyone seen the Shroud lately? Hoping the avy risk is down there.

Has anyone been to Hidden Falls lately. Anything left?

Dave Weaver wrote:Has anyone seen the Shroud lately? Hoping the avy risk is down there.

Was there last Saturday. Huge slide had happened already (probably quite a while before) and made it down all of the way and covered the road.

There is only a little snow in the gully now above it.

Left side was good but with some running water - I was still able to get good screws in. Middle is chopped out.
Shroud lead and conditions.

Dave Weaver wrote:Has anyone been to Hidden Falls lately. Anything left?

Top pitch is visible from the road. I imagine that its all still there, just might be a bit wet. I would bet the river is a bit high to use the rope. My partner and I got wet going across a month ago. Might have to walk up a bit and cross.