Rainbow Wall in late March?

I was wondering if anyone here knows what the typical conditions would be in late March on this route? Thanks.

Snow and ice commonly melt off the ledges above the route creating terrifying moments. This usually happens in March... give or take.

(Thread resurrection)

It sounds like March is a tad early for the Rainbow Wall. What, then, is the optimal time to climb it? April? Early May?

I have been on it in stellar conditions in May but I am sure most of April is pretty damn good as well.

Dow Williams wrote:I have been on it in stellar conditions in May but I am sure most of April is pretty damn good as well.

So, not too hot in May, given the shade/elevation/wind?

What is the earliest or latest that it might be sensible to plan a trip there, assuming that you are seeking "good" conditions (not so hot that you grease off the cruxes or die on the approach, but not so cold that you freeze at belays)

I climbed it in late march and the conditions were perfect. Temps on the wall were in the 50s - 60s. We spent the night on rainbow ledge and it did not freeze. Perhaps we got lucky with no storms.

Climbed it in early May and had perfect temps on the wall. It stays in the shade all day and was just cool enough to want a light wind jacket when not climbing. Hike in early when its cool in the morning, climb the route in the shade and hike out as the sun is beginning to set and you have a great long day of climbing with nice temps all the way around.

Highlander wrote:Climbed it in early May and had perfect temps on the wall. It stays in the shade all day and was just cool enough to want a light wind jacket when not climbing. Hike in early when its cool in the morning, climb the route in the shade and hike out as the sun is beginning to set and you have a great long day of climbing with nice temps all the way around.

Is that you, Dan? I'll have to hit you up for some infos at some point.

Do you know if Will has done it? I've been thinking through who I should try to talk in to going out there, and he popped into the head as an obvious suspect.

-Jon

I climbed it in May a few years ago and it was perfect. in and out in the light. good temps, little cold in the morning but perfect once we started moving. Day light is a good thing for this one. Plan for a few hours in and out, plus whatever you think it will take to climb it. I think we only brought 1 70m rope. the rappels work with that.

Jon, it's pretty much at the top of my list for the spring. Let's talk!

Will McDonald wrote:Jon, it's pretty much at the top of my list for the spring. Let's talk!

Brilliant. We'll talk for sure.