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Ouray Ice March 1-7?

Original Post
Trevor Burke · · SF Bay Area · Joined Dec 2012 · Points: 5

Hey Ice Climbers,

My buddy and I are thinking of road tripping to Ouray for our Spring Break. Would it be a total crapshoot to come in March and expect the ice to still be in in the Ice Park? What about higher elevation areas nearby...

If not where would you suggest as an alternative in Colorado or Wyoming? Will there be too snow much for RMNP?

We are WI4 climbers who are used to cold, brittle ice in New England.

Kevin Zagorda · · Glen Haven, Co · Joined Jul 2008 · Points: 600

The park is normally open until late March.

James2 Jones · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2014 · Points: 0

At the way this winter has been going, warm, may not last till too far into March. Heck, they were talking about closing last week when that heat wave came in.

doligo · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2008 · Points: 269
James2 wrote: Heck, they were talking about closing last week when that heat wave came in.
Not sure where you got this idea. Overnight temps still have been below freezing, even with the thaw, which is a normal occurence around this time of the year. The warm spell has lasted a little longer than usual, but it is not something out of ordinary. Park usually stays open at least through the first part of March - the lower angle climbs on the South side hang on for pretty long. Higher elevation climbs in the backcountry that face North should be in good shape. You guys should come and at least experience ice climbing in T-shirts with hero sticks. Having cut my teeth on cold brittle North Eastern ice myself, I appreciate the novelty of not having to climb ice in double puffies and giant mitts. Worst case you can go dry-tooling or rock climbing.
James2 Jones · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2014 · Points: 0

Because I know the ice farmers. In fact they haven't been able to run water for some time since its been above freezing even at night. Dolgio, your from Mongolia, what would you know about this part of the world!?

Tom-onator · · trollfreesociety · Joined Feb 2010 · Points: 790
James2 wrote:Because I know the ice farmers. In fact they haven't been able to run water for some time since its been above freezing even at night. Dolgio, your from Mongolia, what would you know about this part of the world!?
¿¿WTF??
This post violates the basic guidelines of humanity and should be removed from mountain project.
doligo · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2008 · Points: 269

Telepathy, Chris Dobbins, telepathy. Tom, thanks for kind words.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Colorado
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