Sniktau from Loveland 2/13/11 (win-dee!)

[FFLpilot]

Took advantage of the relatively warm temperatures (28 at the Pass) and high pressure to go up to Sniktau in wind conditions that I wouldn't normally go up high in. Winds were probably 35 sustained, gusting over 50 on the ridgeline. As one would expect, trail conditions were easy; the windward side of the peaks are now heavily scoured of recent snows, and leeside ridgelines have an impressive thickness of redeposited snow, even compared to a few weeks ago. Once I gained Pt. 12,915, I had the silly thought that maybe using poles might help. NOT! Fifty meters later I was laying flat to avoid Bernoulli, re-attaching my poles to pack. Winds were absolutely howling around the 13,120' high point prior to Sniktau; at one point on the way back, I had to drop to my knees during a gust (had to be 60+). Only saw 3 people the whole time; apparently most heeded the ridgeline wind forecasts. Incredible sastrugi formations all around; fun stuff.

By the way, for any of you photographers out there, this was my third trip with my relatively new F-Stop Gear Tilopa BC photo backpack. Such a great product for carrying camera gear; all the photo-packs I've ever seen/owned are terrible. This is a real pack with Internal Camera Units (different sizes). I have nothing to do with the company, just wanted to pass along the info to other photographers. It's a small company, internet sales only, etc.

Anyway, if you want to see a few pics (including two videos of the gnarly wind), you can find a few here:

http://jeffwarnerphoto.blogspot.com/201 ... 13219.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Be safe!

[MtHurd]

Thanks! I'll be up there on Thursday. I hope the wind calms down.

[Mark A Steiner]

Liked the pics Jeff. Fine quality, despite the wind.

[Mindy]

Wow! We tried to climb Sniktau/Cupid Sat. and I never made it out of the car with the exception of a quick picture. The winds were scarey! I love your photos - thank you for sharing what we missed.

[jameseroni]

I climbed it Friday. Same story. Only saw two climbers coming down while I was going up.

[SugarBear]

I was up Snik on Saturday too. Blown over twice. As I'm prepping for a May Denali climb--I relish these kind of days...the worse the better for me.
Saw a guy w/ skis on his pack headed up Griz...like a wind vane, brave man
Quick clip http://vimeo.com/19936668.

[MtHurd]

I was hoping for Grizzly, but the wind doesn't look like it will be letting up anytime soon and the snow is coming. Sniktau may be it for me.

[OnyourLeft]

I took my 12 year son Austin up about 3 weeks ago for his first 13er. Conditions were about the same but I estimate they were quit a bit colder. We had a great time.

[FFLpilot]

I took my 12 year son Austin up about 3 weeks ago for his first 13er. Conditions were about the same but I estimate they were quit a bit colder. We had a great time.

Wow! It's hard to imagine a 12-year old being able to function in winds like that, especially if it was colder. My 12-year old would have been blown over countless times had he been there, but he only weigh 85 lbs. Cool that you got him up there in the winter; I took my son up to Pt.13,120 last winter, but in rather benign conditions. He 'enjoyed it', but hasn't exactly asked to do it again... LOL

Glad some of you guys enjoyed the pics...

J\V