The 2014-2015 Colorado Ice Conditions Thread

Squid is still hanging in there, though beach temps this morning 11/29…

Squid on 11/29.

Trey Maserang wrote:Any information about if it's legal to climb the I-70 sickle in George town and if so where would you park for it?

It's not. I also believe any of the roadside ice is illegal with the exception of silverplume.

SW area experiencing record highs, 64 degrees on Friday at 8000ft, in the 60's all week. Long range is more of the same with light rain on Wednesday, some snow then above normal temps into early December. climate change is a bitch.

All Mixed Up.

Scott McMahon wrote: It's not. I also believe any of the roadside ice is illegal with the exception of silverplume.

Scott,
Howdy. Are you in law enforcement? What law are you referring to in your statement?
Let us know.
Thanks man.
-R

Anybody gotten a look at the North [east] Face of Notchtop recently? Or is that one too spooky now? Any beta appreciated - hard to figure out what's going on up there from down here in NM!

Rick McL wrote: Scott, Howdy. Are you in law enforcement? What law are you referring to in your statement? Let us know. Thanks man. -R

Haha not a cop. Anyways it was discussed a while back when Jack was still alive. He was trying to get the main Georgetown water wheel flow open to climbers as well. For sure the roadcut ice right on the side of silverplume is marked no climbing.

I've seen people climbing the sickle, but to my knowledge parking on that side of the road is illegal, and downright dangerous. That being said I know you can access the upper flow from silverplume which I'd venture is possibly legal, but I'm not sure if I'd want to explain to a Statie why I was knocking stuff down. I'll look for more info, but I'd really say it's 50/50 on that roadside particular ice as everything I've read has supported ticketing. Looks like speed climbing is a must. CDOT would probably know for sure, although they may just say it's illegal for safety's sake. Or Leo Paik might have some more info on if it's just the parking that's illegal or the climbing is trespassing.

From the site's page. WARNING: I received a ticket at the I 70 sickle not worth the hassle. I recommend just going to Silverton or Vail for that matter.

Scott McMahon wrote: It's not. I also believe any of the roadside ice is illegal with the exception of silverplume.

If you are referring to the climb on the north side of I-70 on the Georgetown hill, you can pull completely off of the shoulder to park. I have frequently seen people climbing there but never heard of anyone getting hassled by law enforcement. It is not very thick right now as far as I could tell on a drive by Thanksgiving Day.

Silver Plume is climbable and should fatten up more since there is plenty of water flow.

Silver Plume Thanksgiving morning.

facebook.com/video.php?v=80…

Kevin Donovan wrote: If you are referring to the climb on the north side of I-70 on the Georgetown hill, you can pull completely off of the shoulder to park. I have frequently seen people climbing there but never heard of anyone getting hassled by law enforcement.

And you may be right, but I've heard of people getting ticketed. Also I'm not sure if it's legal to park on the side of the highway for non-emergency parking. With all the stuff that falls off that face I wouldn't want to park there anyways.

I've seen people climbing too, but I'd say if your gonna do it...get it done and get out before the first cop comes by.

70 sickle is... Tricky to say the least. The lower falls is always going to be a bit hit or miss. No matter how you park, you're going to be visible to I-70 as you climb. A distraction to drivers from a CDOT perspective... however, the upper falls are actually much better and out of view from the road. However parking is the crux:

Options: from best to worst:

1. Have a friend drop you off: get a willing friend, have them drive you west on I-70, and throw on their emergency flashers and drop you off at the falls. Give them cash for a couple of beers and food in Georgetown and text them when you're ready for pickup.
2. Park at the base: the essential beta for this is to park BEHIND THE SAFETY BARRIER. Back in beneath the climb, you're mostly out of sight of the road and the metal barrier blocks you from being a safety hazard.
3. Cross I-70: this is the most dangerous and foolish option, yet I've done it.... There's a city park across the interstate where you can park. This option is a complete and utter no-go on the weekends and rush hour during the week days, again. It's possible, and even recommended by locals I've spoken to, but I can't say that it even approaches being a good idea.

Road into South Mineral Creek is passable in a Subaru to within .5miles of the trailhead/campground.

Found a screw frozen in place on DNF. Message me type and ID marks, I'd be happy to return it.

OK, I'm confused. "I-70 sickle" I see this in the postings here and initially think of the ice flow one can see and get to right after the Georgetown exit (Westbound) off I-70. You can pull back down well behind the railing off the interstate.
But then I see references to "Georgetown water wheel", "access the upper flow from Silverplume" and .... ??? Are you referring to the Idaho Springs water wheel? To hike from Silverplume to the Georgetown ice flow I'm thinking of would be what?.... 2 miles as the crow flies. But what's the trail to get from Silverplume to the Georgetown ice?
Am I just completely missing it?
Regardless, the Georgetown ice flow I know of was not at all in good shape last Sat, Nov 29. Baked out, dripping, practically flowing water. Couple'a laps on the upper flow and we were outta there.
And with the temps this week I doubt it'll be worthwhile this weekend.
We did pull off I-70, well down behind the railing. No tickets.

There is no water wheel in Georgetown. That is Idaho Springs. Anyone have a picture of the upper falls of the "sickle" on I-70? Just curious. Don't think it is illegal to climb that one. Parking can be had well of the road. Why would CDOT marke the fatties on the south side no climbing, but not this one? Anyway, a pic of the upper falls would be cool.

Just Solo wrote:There is no water wheel in Georgetown. That is Idaho Springs. Anyone have a picture of the upper falls of the "sickle" on I-70? Just curious. Don't think it is illegal to climb that one. Parking can be had well of the road. Why would CDOT marke the fatties on the south side no climbing, but not this one? Anyway, a pic of the upper falls would be cool.

right at your finger tips. And correct the wheel is G-town, and the sickle is right before silverplume. And I'd say parking would probably be the issue first, then distraction of drivers (hazard), the possibly trespassing. To repeat what I said prior that whole strip is one giant rock zone so I'm sure CDOT doesn't want to take any chances. I'm sure you can get away with it, but silverplume is a 20 minute hike right around the corner.

mountainproject.com/v/georg…

How's Vail looking? I just found out that I'm getting sent to Vail this weekend to work a booth at the "Birds of Prey" event. On a similar note, I'm going to be availible to climb Friday, Saturday and Sunday after 3:00 PM, if you're down to get out for a couple hours before dark, send me an email or text (720-445-1520).

Hello Colorado. If your fed up with an unstable snowpack and crowded ice climbs, then come check out the Valdez Ice Climbing Festival this Presidents Day weekend! Tons of ice, mixed climbs, skiing and bonfires. We already have a ton of snow and the ice is plastic down here at sea level. For more info check out the Facebook page or PM Nick Weicht mountainproject.com/u/nick-… . Or you can also shoot me a PM regarding logistics:)

Current Conditions

Keystone Greensteps

Bridalveil Falls

19 mile

Hung jury

Big mountains and good skiing!

My climbing partner bailed on me last minute. Plans were to go Lincoln falls on Thursday dec 4th all day.
I'm up for other areas.
Let me know soon as I have a long drive.
Matt

Anyone know if Martha would go this weekend?

Does anyone know how things are looking in the Quandary/McCullugh Gulch area (North Star, Claim Jumper, Yukon Jack...)?

From the highway, the climbs in Tenmile Canyon still look like crap.