RMNP conditions
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Hey all, I have a bud and his girl coming in town and I was wondering what the conditions were on the approaches to chasm lake and sky pond. Thanks. |
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As of last friday, the approach from Glacier Gorge most of the way to the Loch was mostly snow free. There were intermittent patches of snow a couple feet deep but they were very consolidated and easily walked across. Once you near the Loch the snow becomes rapidly deeper and softer and has good coverage in most places. I'm not sure about the rest of the way to sky pond, but the approach to Sharkstooth through the Gash got very soft. We managed without snowshoes on the way up, though they would have been nice. If/when things soften up later in the day, you are up for a postholing epic all the way back to the Loch. |
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Has anyone been up there Monday or Tuesday. I know denver got a bunch of rain Sun/Mon so I figured conditions may have changed since Kris was up there Friday. I read in the main RMNP snow thread that conditions may have changed. |
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That's interesting RS. The high level of pine beetle infestation is caused by climate change. Its just like THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW!!! AUGHGHGHGHGH |
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Is this phenomena being seen throughout other beetle kill zones in Colorado, like Summit? |
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Any reports on Glacier Gorge...Spearhead area? Heading back there this weekend...Thanks! |
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Can you back up any of that with anything other than the email? I dont intend this post as an attack. I am just curious about this phenomenon and if it really is happening in widespread areas. |
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saw this in rmnp snow conditions forum, looks like spearhead in the distance from the side. sicke's syckle is probably wet, and drippy by the roof though, not sure what route you're trying to hit |
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I hiked up to Loch Vale on Monday and conditions up to that point were good. Occasional snow drifts to walk over and around but pretty chill. |
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As of Wed, would snowshoes be required for a hike up to Chasm? |
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Mark Wyss wrote:As of Wed, would snowshoes be required for a hike up to Chasm?I hiked up there sunday. Required? No... But nice to have, yes. Chasm Lake cirque is still inundated with snow. Not likely to melt anytime soon. |
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R.S. wrote:Sorry my pine beetle post kind of snaked your thread man.Not a prob RS, I had no idea about the pine needle situation, knowledge is power right...or is it ignorance is bliss? I kind of use them interchangeably at my discretion. Sounds like snowshoes may make things more enjoyable for all on our little hike to Chasm. |
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Just climbed dreamweaver today and no snowshoes were needed at all. Some snow on the trail up to chasm lake but it is hard packed and sporadic. Flotation is a waste of weight and wont be used. |
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J. Surette wrote:Just climbed dreamweaver today and no snowshoes were needed at all. Some snow on the trail up to chasm lake but it is hard packed and sporadic. Flotation is a waste of weight and wont be used.How were conditions on DW? |
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Did DW this AM. Bottom half is punchy and forgettable but I'm sure it would be nice and firm with a real clear, cold night. Starting with the 2nd rock band to the top there are currently really fun conditions. Firm neve, some ice sticks here and there and a couple rock moves. I looked for the ice around the corner at the 2nd rock band but it wasn't there, just snice. My partner climbed directly up the disappearing snow and rock and said there were a couple cool dry tooling moves. |
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Would love to hear more about the pine needle situation. another post? source? |
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Here are a few links for those inclined to read about the pine beetle problem and its connection to snow accumulation/snow melt. |
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Did anyone make it up to Spearhead last weekend??? Anyone know what the snow/route conditions are? |
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The barb got climbed last weekend. I don't have any more details other than my buddy said the approach was heinous! |
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R.S. wrote:An email from a buddy of mine in regards to why the snow is staying longer than usual (considering it was a 'mild' winter compared to recent years): I just talked to a water guy here who flew out over North Park and south Wyoming. I guess that this pine beatle infestation has begun to cause some new phenomenon this year...This would explain extra snow below treeline, but what about all the snow above treeline? |