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RMNP conditions

Original Post
Mark Wyss · · Denver, CO · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 255

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.

Kris Holub · · Boulder, Colorado · Joined Jan 2011 · Points: 70

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.

Mark Wyss · · Denver, CO · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 255

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.

Phil Lauffen · · Innsbruck, AT · Joined Jun 2008 · Points: 3,098

That's interesting RS. The high level of pine beetle infestation is caused by climate change. Its just like THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW!!! AUGHGHGHGHGH

Curt Hokanson · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2011 · Points: 45

Is this phenomena being seen throughout other beetle kill zones in Colorado, like Summit?

Jeff Mekolites · · Atlanta, GA · Joined Jan 2007 · Points: 5,250

Any reports on Glacier Gorge...Spearhead area? Heading back there this weekend...Thanks!

Jeremy Monahan · · Fort Collins, CO · Joined May 2002 · Points: 410

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.

It seems like if there is really is more meltwater in the snow, there would have to be constant freezing temps every night to turn the snow into ice, which isn't happening. If we had widespread freezing temps at night, all the spring ice routes would still be in!

Michael Foy · · Denver, CO · Joined Jul 2002 · Points: 50

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

Rob Kepley · · Westminster, CO · Joined Dec 2005 · Points: 1,005

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.
Last hundred yards or so up to Loch Vale were solid snow. I didn't go any farther than that but saw lots of snow across the lake at Cathedral Wall and even more higher up at Sky Pond. Looks like it will be a bit longer before everything melts out.

Mark Wyss · · Denver, CO · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 255

As of Wed, would snowshoes be required for a hike up to Chasm?

Phil Lauffen · · Innsbruck, AT · Joined Jun 2008 · Points: 3,098
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.
Mark Wyss · · Denver, CO · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 255
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.
J. Surette · · Denver, CO · Joined Sep 2009 · Points: 30

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.

colin tucker · · Monticello, UT · Joined May 2007 · Points: 35
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?
Chris Plesko · · Westminster, CO · Joined Oct 2007 · Points: 485

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.

If you're going to climb it soon, get an early start and haul balls. We topped Meeker by 8am including a break after the cruxes. The bottom snowfield isn't going to get any more fun without a really good freeze. The loft was already pretty wet when we got on it and the traverse over to the lower entrance is not exactly obvious if you haven't done it before.

If you take a rope, try the right variation at the 1st rock band. Maybe m4-m5 and looks like good pro? We didn't bring any gear or we would have done it.

There was a group in the Flying Dutchman today that also appeared to top out early. Perhaps they'll chime in too.

la heath · · Boulder, CO · Joined Aug 2010 · Points: 25

Would love to hear more about the pine needle situation. another post? source?

Bernard Gillett · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2002 · Points: 0

Here are a few links for those inclined to read about the pine beetle problem and its connection to snow accumulation/snow melt.

CU press release:

colorado.edu/news/r/77adefd…

Click on the link at the bottom of the press release to dig a little deeper; you get a synopsis of the study with some nice graphics:

geode.colorado.edu/~small/f…

Click on the link at the bottom of that page, and you get the full academic article:

geode.colorado.edu/~small/d…

The press release mentions TBlom, a member of this site, who was involved in the study, so perhaps he can shed additional light on the subject.

303scott · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2008 · Points: 195

Did anyone make it up to Spearhead last weekend??? Anyone know what the snow/route conditions are?
Thanks!

LucasSpiegel · · Castle Rock, CO · Joined May 2010 · Points: 725

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Chris Plesko · · Westminster, CO · Joined Oct 2007 · Points: 485

The barb got climbed last weekend. I don't have any more details other than my buddy said the approach was heinous!

Tim Pegg · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2009 · Points: 5
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?
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Colorado
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