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I can still SEE streaks of snow in the troughs on the south side of Meeker-Longs from the Front Range So some snow-backup protection like spikes is advisable.

Carl wrote:Anyone got any recent shots of the trail between the Keyhole and the top...

Nothing up close but from far...the Narrows, Homestretch, top of Keplingers, backside of Palisades, and Loft. Pic taken on Sunday afternoon, November 25.

Thanks for the beta. With NOAA forecasting 45+ sustained wind and 90mph gusts we changed plans last minute. Probably didn't get that crazy, but the somewhat nearby weather data I just glanced at showed 30 to 40mph sustained and up to 59mph gusts this morning at 11,200ft. Enough to make it quite unpleasant. Kiefer, lets catch up soon.

Took this shot yesterday, December 3 2012, from Meadow Mountain south of Longs and Meeker. Amazed at the lack of snow for early December.

The lack of snow pack reminds me of the winter of 1976-77. Bone dry throughout the state and especially in the Sangres and RMNP.

Climbed a ton of winter routes on rock. Just like one would do in the summer except the days are shorter and the rock is much colder.

The Crestones and peaks in RMNP are a natural for one with good rock climbing skills in this type of weather scenario.

Does anyone have any current conditions, please, of Longs Peak trail up to Granite Pass? Floatation needed in trees? It sounds like Ice Axe is recommended?

Thank you.

Mindy,

My wife and I were up on Sunday. We made it just a little ways past the treeline with no floatation. It had snowed on us for about 2 hours. Probably 6-8" total of new snow in the trees for the weekend. We turned around there because we decided that with our late start we weren't going to make it to Chasm Lake before dark. Being up there before in deeper snow conditions I don't remember needing an ice axe up to granite pass. Maybe somebody else will chime in to say otherwise and have better info past our stopping point.

Thanks jnorris.