Cody Ice Conditions

Does anyone know what the ice conditions are in Cody right now?

I saw some pictures from the ice fest they just had this past weekend and it looks like things are kind of baked out. That's concerning with the highs in the 40's and sunny this week.

Secondary question: what is the typical temperature difference between the forecast I get for the city of Cody versus the South Fork area where the climbs are?

Go to coldfear.com. Mulkey posts up pretty current conditions. It's rough right now, a lot of stuff melted out last week and the avy danger is high on a lot of other routes.

Nothing that recent on Coldfear, and he does not give much of general overview, generally.
Someone who was at the fest must have something to say?

Was there this last weekend, didn't participate too much in the fest activities though.. Here's a summary of how conditions were:

- North-facing routes were in okay shape (Upper and lower benches). However the snow conditions are VERY prohibitive. Not only in Avy conditions, but also just getting to the base of the routes is a full-day of post-holing.

- Went to Deer Creek and the snow conditions on the trail were also insane.

This was my first time out there and it was HOT and wet. Many other parties discussed how bad conditions were too. The routes look incredible, but are disintegrating quickly and getting to them is a whole other story. Aaron posts consistently on Coldfear instagram account. He's been posting more mixed routes than anything lately if that helps describe what's happening out there.

Cheers,
Mac

What's left of the north side of the river climbs are going to be hit hard this week by sun and warmth. South side climbs are mostly in fat and should weather this warm spell fine.

But...there is a ton of snow on the south sides and approaches will be Type2. Afternoon warming will definitely cause rockfall and up the wet slide potential.
It's pretty rowdy everywhere up there now.

I wouldn't try crossing the river from the Cabin Creek trailhead, use the Hunter Creek road instead.

Southfork temps are usually 10-15 degrees cooler than Cody, but that also varies depending on aspect.

The dolomite rock climbing in Cody is in PHAT right now.

Jason Todd wrote:What's left of the north side of the river climbs are going to be hit hard this week by sun and warmth. South side climbs are mostly in fat and should weather this warm spell fine. But...there is a ton of snow on the south sides and approaches will be Type2. Afternoon warming will definitely cause rockfall and up the wet slide potential. It's pretty rowdy everywhere up there now. I wouldn't try crossing the river from the Cabin Creek trailhead, use the Hunter Creek road instead. Southfork temps are usually 10-15 degrees cooler than Cody, but that also varies depending on aspect. The dolomite rock climbing in Cody is in PHAT right now.

Jason,

Are you referring to that upper jagged ridge line NE of Carter Mtn. that is covered in rime ice? If so, could you point me in the direction of any beta on that area? That looked absolutely incredible, I wish I had the skills to send those full Scottish conditions. One day...

Thanks,
Mac

MacM wrote: Jason, Are you referring to that upper jagged ridge line NE of Carter Mtn. that is covered in rime ice? If so, could you point me in the direction of any beta on that area? That looked absolutely incredible, I wish I had the skills to send those full Scottish conditions. One day... Thanks, Mac

I was referring to the dolomite in Shoshone Canyon (Northfork Highway), it is prime season, 30-40F, sunny aspect means tshirts, chalk bags and Type 1 fun.

The beta for the ridge running SE from Carter is have fun and good luck!

Does anyone have any condition updates in the past week or so? I am thinking of heading to Cody this weekend. Thanks!

Just got back from an extended weekend in Cody. Conditions were deteriorating each day with daily highs near and over freezing and some rain showing up at times. Climbs along the north side were starting to look a lot like snow cones. And between a lack of knowledge on the best way to get to climbs, lack of bootpacked trails, and long thigh-deep postholing through downed trees and brambles, climbs on the south side were increasingly seeming like they weren't worth the approach.

Specifically:
Bozo's - good lines were easy to find, but there was a large swath of drippy
Animal Rights - good ice that didn't look touched
Sendero - the narrow pinch point was hollow with long vertical cracks that didn't inspire confidence
Main Vein - snow cone ice with parasols

Decent cold front came in last night and is forecast to last through the weekend at least. Should help considerably to repair the "damage" from the last week. Weekend should be good. Approaches are still burlier than "normal".