I have only paid attention to the avy forecast for about 5-6 years, but don't ever remember seeing Southern San Juans in the green for such a long period of time (thanks to this year's weather patterns). Is this atypical (i.e. once every 50 years)?
Is anyone planning on taking advantage of the situation and claiming a winter ascent in Chicago Basin? I don't have the experience or the stamina, but just wondering if anyone is licking their lips? I know that the hike from Purgatory typically has avy danger, but not sure if the snow pack is safe now...
Of course the whole situation could change in a week or two.
Chicago Basin in winter
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Re: Chicago Basin in winter
Steph and I are working on logistics upon heading in during her Spring Break, 3rd week in March I believe.Yikes wrote:I have only paid attention to the avy forecast for about 5-6 years, but don't ever remember seeing Southern San Juans in the green for such a long period of time (thanks to this year's weather patterns). Is this atypical (i.e. once every 50 years)?
Is anyone planning on taking advantage of the situation and claiming a winter ascent in Chicago Basin? I don't have the experience or the stamina, but just wondering if anyone is licking their lips? I know that the hike from Purgatory typically has avy danger, but not sure if the snow pack is safe now...
Of course the whole situation could change in a week or two.
I'm looking for a couple folks who want to enlist in this massive trench-breaking endevour!
...and yes. It is unusual to see the S. San Juan in the green for so long! It's killing me that I couldn't manage to get off work to take advantage of it!
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TomPierce
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Re: Chicago Basin in winter
Hey Kiefer,Kiefer wrote:Steph and I are working on logistics upon heading in during her Spring Break, 3rd week in March I believe.
I'm looking for a couple folks who want to enlist in this massive trench-breaking endevour!
No guarantee on my availability given that it's a couple of months out, but keep me in mind for that March trip. I'd be up for trying Sunlight. Hope all is well & good luck on your other endeavors,
-Tom
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Dorje1018
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Re: Chicago Basin in winter
I think the CAIC forecast is a bit of a stretch, especially for the Needle, West Needle and Grenadier. Conditions around Coal Bank and Molas are more in tune to the North San Juan zone forecast.
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mountainfreak241
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Re: Chicago Basin in winter
I am interested in this as well. Sunlight, Windom and Eolus. Anyway, let me know if it comes to fruition...
"I go to the Wind Rivers, more than the other ranges I know, to experience mountains in their totality." - Joe Kelsey
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Glen
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Re: Chicago Basin in winter
Kiefer, I may be in. If Steph and I have the same days for spring break.
"I remember when I used to be into nostalgia."
Re: Chicago Basin in winter
Went into Chicago Basin last spring and skied Sunlight and Windom. We went in on May 8th which was the first day the train was running for the spring. We had to pack our skis and boots about halfway in until we got to snow. I would much rather go in earlier and face a long approach than have such lean snow conditions. Also consider going in from either Vallecito Creek or Endlich Mesa. The Endlich Mesa approach is makes sense if you have snowmobiles drop you off at the top of Endlich-I think you could get into C-basin in two days this way. There was a polish guy who ventured into Chicago Basin last winter solo. We read of his epic accounts on each of the summit registers as we climbed. He wrote that it took him 6 days to get in from the Purgatory side with snowshoes-burly. FYI, avy danger has changed as it always can, and I am sure the danger is back up right now, but will alleviate soon with nice weather. If anybody gets in there this winter, let's hear about it!!
Everything has changed, is changing and will continue to change...
Re: Chicago Basin in winter
Manky wrote:If anybody gets in there this winter, let's hear about it!!
yeah, really, would someone please post a tr already? :D
jeez.
(Manky, this post isn't a bash to you, others around here will know what I'm talking about.)
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mtgirl
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Re: Chicago Basin in winter
You couldn't possibly mean that humble guy who absolutely refuses to boast about his worthy accomplishments and constantly gives all the credit to others, do you ??d_baker wrote: yeah, really, would someone please post a tr already? :D
jeez.
I'm anxiously awaiting that trip report myself !"Life is not measured by the breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away."
Re: Chicago Basin in winter
Yeah, I'm talking about that melon guy. What's his name?mtgirl wrote:You couldn't possibly mean that humble guy who absolutely refuses to boast about his worthy accomplishments and constantly gives all the credit to others, do you ??d_baker wrote: yeah, really, would someone please post a tr already? :D
jeez.
Blind Melon? no, I think that is a band.
Water Melon? Oh! noo...that's a fruit.
Hmm...I guess don't know what his name is after all.
Maybe there should be a poll or something to find out who he is.
(just a bit of thread drift here folks)
