The 2014-2015 Colorado Ice Conditions Thread

Lamb's is more accurately 45-40 and Notch 60-50.

The terrain and and weather patterns in the park deviate enough from the general Front Range forecast that the only way to truly know is to go and make your own assessment of conditions.

HIGHLY recommend avoiding the Notch if there's any chance of avalanche. Talk about a terrain trap. Even placing gear in the walls, you could get strung out and buried, or a big enough slide could rip it out.

Beautiful line in the spring though, one of the best lines up Longs, IMO.

Any thoughts/beta/ideas on the avy danger on route/descending All Mixed Up in RMNP?

Thanks!

^ also curious. Anyone been on 'er this week with the nice temps? Thanks!

Any word on Elk Falls in Staunton?

Went up West Gully and took this pic of McHenery's

McHenry's, 2015 01 10.

West Gully, 2015 01 10.

Drove by silverplume and it looked thin and rotted out.

Most of the San Juans is in good climbing condition. Everything in Silverton and Eureka are pretty good. If you're looking at getting into S. Mineral probably don't even bother.

Avy changes by the day and will certainly change with this next storm. You should be familiar with http://avalanche.state.co.us/forecasts/backcountry-avalanche/north-san-juan/. It should be your favorite winter website for Colorado. If you can't even find this website on your own you should reconsider whether backcountry ice with the constant objective hazard of avalanche is the place you should be heading.

rockclimber50 wrote:Who has beta on southern Colorado climbing conditions in the Silvertone, Eureka, and Ophir areas? Also what is the avi danger? Thanks

Avalanche conditions are will be up to considerable level tomorrow with the new snow expected; already 1 fatality in Silverton this year due to an avalanche. Know the terrain and where you can travel safely.

Hi all. I am looking for suggestions for moderate ice climbs (<= WI3) within driving distance of Laramie (i.e. Northern Colorado). I just moved out here from New Hampshire and have been missing the abundance of frozen water that NH has to offer. Sorry to ask such a vague question but I am just starting to get my bearings around here and being unfamiliar with how things come in throughout the season thought this might be a good place to start. Anything is appreciated.

Paul Pellissier wrote:Hi all. I am looking for suggestions for moderate ice climbs (<= WI3) within driving distance of Laramie (i.e. Northern Colorado). I just moved out here from New Hampshire and have been missing the abundance of frozen water that NH has to offer. Sorry to ask such a vague question but I am just starting to get my bearings around here and being unfamiliar with how things come in throughout the season thought this might be a good place to start. Anything is appreciated.

Better to post this in the ice climbing thread. This page is a conditions and discussion of such thread. Also, the site here has a great search feature. Go to the co mixed/ice section and have fun!

Legs Magillicutty wrote:Any word on Elk Falls in Staunton?

Elk Falls in Staunton State Park is in good shape. There is a thin bulge of ice in the middle of the falls, but either side to the left or right is good. Enjoy the beautiful hike!

Top Rope Tough Guys. Tadd- Elk Falls 1/13/2015.

How is the approach to the Loch or Mills/Black Lake in RMNP? Are snowshoes needed?

It's never a great idea to try to get to Black Lake without floatation. If you stay on the main trail you might be OK to Mills Lake. Last weekend the walk to Loc Vale through the short cut had annoyingly punchy sections but not ridiculously terrible. The main trail was good once we found it on the way out.

Anyone poke around Hessie lately?

Vail Ice Conditions 1/15/2015

Designator 1/15/2015 condition.

Designator could not be any better

CupCake 1/15/2015 condition.

7th Tentacle, Frigid Inseminator, Cupcake, and the Fang Conditions. Appears the Fang is being climbed, not by me today.

Fang 1/15/2015 condition.

Fang from another angle

Cor wrote:Anyone poke around Hessie lately?

A couple of friends climbed it on Wednesday. Apparently, it was not in optimal conditions so it was sort of a sporty lead.

Anyone been up in the Longs cirque? I'm wondering if Martha is in better shape by now...

Cor wrote:Anyone poke around Hessie lately?

Hessie, 1/11/15.

Pretty dry.

Wolf Creek area as of several days ago:

Treasure Falls and Millers Tale were not in; Alpha Male and Sheeps Clothing were in.

Sorry no pics, and I did not make it over to the Chain Station area.

Scott

Thanks guys! That helps... I have done it sporty, but that pic is looking dry!
Such a random forming goodness it is.