14ers.com

was planning a trip for this weekend but everything is looking a bit sketchy. suggestions?

This is a link to the CAIC avy report for yesterday:

https://avalanche.state.co.us/pub_bc_avo.php?zone_id=3" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I think it is time to go skiing, not climbing.

There are plenty of routes that are safe from avalanches in the Sawatch. One is the East Ridge of Elbert, assuming that you stay on route.

In a general sense, check caltopo.com, turn on the slope shading option, and pick a route that stays off of, and out from underneath, anything shaded.
Note - I am not an avalanche expert, this is just what I would do to avoid avalanche terrain.

The other guys give good advice and I cannot argue against it.

I do believe, however, that there are certain things you can do in the course of a long career in the mountains that will substantially mitigate avalanche risk. One is, after a big dump like we have just had, give things some time to settle down. You will learn a lot the first few days after a storm as people start to work their way into the backcountry and you will have a much better idea of where the risk actually is.

If we are talking about skiing I am the worst one for getting out there and "getting the goods" right away. I should also mention I have had my run in's with avalanches.

When we're talking about climbing, I prefer to let things settle down.

As a map junkie, I can't believe I have never used caltopo.com?!? i dig it! thanks!

I'm only passing on the awesomeness that I found here.
http://www.14ers.com/forum/viewtopic.ph ... po#p465943" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks for sharing. Very cool site.

GregMiller wrote:I'm only passing on the awesomeness that I found here.
viewtopic.php?f=26&t=38504&hilit=Caltopo#p465943

Thank you for all of the responses.

happymtnclimber wrote:Thank you for all of the responses. To clarify for anyone else in the position of wanting to climb, a recent trip report clarified that the east ridge of Elbert is not safe right now, so that option is out unlike posted above. I think it is best to let the snow pack settle.

Would you mind posting the link to this trip report, please. I can't seem to find it.

happymtnclimber wrote:To clarify for anyone else in the position of wanting to climb, a recent trip report clarified that the east ridge of Elbert is not safe right now, so that option is out unlike posted above. I think it is best to let the snow pack settle.

I know this statement is well intentioned but you cannot determine that the east ridge of Elbert is unsafe right now by reading online what the current conditions were at some point when someone on the internet commented about them. Based on looking at the topo and reading reports of recent avy and weather trends someone with the right skills might determine the route is safe right now and be correct in doing so. If that's not you there is certainly nothing wrong with playing it safe, but don't try to speak definitively on something you don't understand. Too strong?

happymtnclimber wrote:Thank you for all of the responses. To clarify for anyone else in the position of wanting to climb, a recent trip report clarified that the east ridge of Elbert is not safe right now, so that option is out unlike posted above. I think it is best to let the snow pack settle.

What recent trip report are you referring too? I have not yet done Elbert in winter, but I have never heard anyone say it wasn't safe. I know many who have gone on that route when the entire state is flashing red....

I think most of the Sawatch 14ers have an avy safe route, but it is easy to get off route and without a good baseline knowledge you could get into trouble.

La Plata is a good winter peak with easy trail access and minimal avy danger on the standard winter route.
Huron is also safe via its North ridge.