The 2011-12 Colorado Ice Conditions Thread

Anyone know how Vail Ice is looking? I am looking at going to Firehouse area, spiral staircase, and/or Belfry.

Jeremy Espinoza wrote:Anyone know how Vail Ice is looking? I am looking at going to Firehouse area, spiral staircase, and/or Belfry.

haven't been out there in a couple weeks. but i can almost guarantee that it's all good to go.

What's the word on Deep Freeze and Brain Freeze?

Was down in Silverton on February 3rd to try for the millionth time to climb Stairway to HEaven. While crossing a slope below SWTH and to climber's left the snow pack settled and started a nice crack (I hesitate to call it a "fracture" as it wasn't very wide) above me. Needless to say we backed off about 200 yards from the base of the climb. Knew the avi danger was considerable.

Decided to climb first gulley as we were tired from post holing. The upper pitches of First Gulley were thin but climable. On the way back to the car noticed some fresh slides in the bowl above SWTH that weren't there earlier in the day. Silverton didn't get the snow they were expecting.

Headed back to Ouray to try and get The Ribbon in on Saturday, but decided against that as it sits below a big bowl. Ice Park on a Saturday. Oh what fun! At least we got another climb in, short but still found a spot to climb.

Looking across at SWTH from First Gulley

Does anyone have a topo for the skylight area as to which route is which? Maybe listed as you hike by them? Also what is the best guide book for the San Juan Mountains, Ouray area. I have a couple of old ones The Burns book and the one that is hand written by Charlie Fowler. I just want to get an updated one that has good information in it.
Thanks
Dallen

I use Colorado Ice by Jack Roberts. My printing is from 1998. I believe he came out with a book titled: Colorado Ice II.

thin and rotten from a pic I saw yesterday

Dave Cummings wrote:anyone been up to avocado gully lately?, was really thin about a month ago

Is there any climbable ice in Boulder Canyon these days?

Dave Cummings wrote: thanks

I was up there yesterday it was still thin but it is way better then it has been all year definitely climbable.

Does anyone know what this climb is called? This is the view from the road (about 1.5 miles away so its big).

San Juan Mountains.

San Juan Pillar.

Verne wrote:Does anyone know what this climb is called? This is the view from the road (about 1.5 miles away so its big). San Juan Mountains.

Which road where you on when you took this picture?

Dustin wrote: Which road where you on when you took this picture?

I think you might recognize it if you've seen it before. Silverton is probably the closest town. I've looked up everything I can on this, and found nothing, so I'm guessing its a local secret?

Anyone climbed at Vail recently? How's the ice looking? Any significant avvy danger?

I am wondering about conditions in Loch Vale Gorge and Loch Vale Uphill - anyone been up there recently??

Tim Zander wrote:Anyone climbed at Vail recently? How's the ice looking? Any significant avvy danger?

We where up there yesterday the ice is fat, but it's picked out worse then I have ever seen it I would consider going somewhere else.

pkmiller wrote:I am wondering about conditions in Loch Vale Gorge and Loch Vale Uphill - anyone been up there recently??

We went up to The Loch last Sunday. Lots of snow but the boot trails are packed in now. Crystal Meth was in with funky thin conditions. Mo' Flo' than Go was in. Mixed Emotions had very little ice on it.

Kurt Ross leading Crystal Meth on February 4th 2011.

Did not head up past this area. Anyone else been up higher?

Josh8384 wrote: We where up there yesterday the ice is fat, but it's picked out worse then I have ever seen it I would consider going somewhere else.

+1.....Super hacked out and not so fun....I'd probably seek out other area's..On the other hand, do some exploring in many area's of CO and it will be virgin. Get creative!

After an attempted dyno, I was only a couple feet away from the hanging pillar.

Phil Wortman seeking out the adventure.

This past Sunday, Redstone Pillar was in but much thinner than last year. Left side was very dry and funky ice, pro was reasonable; far right had much better ice but the start is fairly technical. Right side up top was running water; pretty chandeliery but better ice than it appears from the ground. Huge track beat in on approach.

Lincoln Falls: Left side = Super Fat. However the pillar is a constant disappearing act.

Any beta on CCC - Hoping to get some apres work sessions in this week.

Verne wrote:Does anyone know what this climb is called? This is the view from the road (about 1.5 miles away so its big). San Juan Mountains.

Santa Claus Pillar - Hwy 110, WI5 75M