Crestones Conditions?

[jlarson630]

Anyone venture up there this past weekend or know of current conditions?

[bergsteigen]

The south facing gullies all had snow in them, that did not melt off by Sunday afternoon. I have some zoom photos from the Lindsey area if desired.

[sheller]

I talked to a climber on my way down from Humboldt. He told me that he tried both Peak and Needle and both were very unsfafe. I believe he said there was any where between 3-6 feet of snow which covered a layer of running water. Search and Rescue was also up there and couldn't make it all the way up to the peak. However, Humboldt was great and the Ellingwood Arete also looked clear of snow.

[landonhog]

Thanks for the udates. Headed up that way Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Looks like we'll be doing Humbolt then over to KC. Hoped to do the Crestones, but it looks like we'll be a couple weeks too late for our skill sets.


Sheller,
Was there much snow around the camping areas near SC Lakes in the basin, or was it mostly clear when you were there? Any additional info would be appreciated.

I saw your previous comments about your trip up Humbolt. Hoping we can get similar conditions if it doesn't snow to much on Friday.

Thanks in advance.

[bergsteigen]

Thanks for the udates. Headed up that way Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Looks like we'll be doing Humbolt then over to KC. Hoped to do the Crestones, but it looks like we'll be a couple weeks too late for our skill sets.

The route from South Colony Lakes to KC is class 4, and will be as treacherous with the snow as the Crestones. The route from Willow Lakes will take you across the Avenue, which is also snow covered at present. Not sure which route you are thinking of.

[sheller]

As I mentioned in my conditions report, there are sporadic small fields of snow and I wouldn't think there would be any issue with finding camping spots. Of course all of that can change with a storm. The lakes are not fully frozen over, so you might even be able to do some fishing. It is a little wet in the area with the continual freezing and thawing, so your bigger concern might be finding a dry place to set up camp.

[atalarico]

A friend and I are headed up tomorrow to backpack into South Colony and climb Crestone Pk on Thursday. I have a lifted 4runner, I should be fine on that 4wd section of road, right? The snow hasn't gotten that deep yet, has it?

I hear it's been melting out a bit too, and I'm assuming with the rather warmer weather we've been having, it should be a little clearer?

[landonhog]

Thanks Berg and Sheller.

Berg,
I thought Mr. Roach labeled that down climb as a tough class 3, but I'd certainly take your first hand account over something I'm reading on paper! With current conditions, I'm sure it is... Thanks again.

[bergsteigen]

A friend and I are headed up tomorrow to backpack into South Colony and climb Crestone Pk on Thursday. I have a lifted 4runner, I should be fine on that 4wd section of road, right? The snow hasn't gotten that deep yet, has it?

I hear it's been melting out a bit too, and I'm assuming with the rather warmer weather we've been having, it should be a little clearer?

The road should be clear now. After Sunday, not much snow was left on the road down by Lindsey, only in shady spots. Your Toyota will be fine, unless Friday's storm is bad.

Berg,
I thought Mr. Roach labeled that down climb as a tough class 3, but I'd certainly take your first hand account over something I'm reading on paper! With current conditions, I'm sure it is... Thanks again.

I've been "Roached" before, where what he calls class 3, is more like 4 to most. It's something to consider with snow, as I usually back off anything that approaches class 4, unless I'm in a solid group or know that the cruxes won't be snow filled/covered. I've found many of the easy options go away with snow.

Link to my image of route down Columbia:
http://otinasadventures.com/trip/img/ki ... _route.jpg

[atalarico]

A friend and I are headed up tomorrow to backpack into South Colony and climb Crestone Pk on Thursday. I have a lifted 4runner, I should be fine on that 4wd section of road, right? The snow hasn't gotten that deep yet, has it?

I hear it's been melting out a bit too, and I'm assuming with the rather warmer weather we've been having, it should be a little clearer?

The road should be clear now. After Sunday, not much snow was left on the road down by Lindsey, only in shady spots. Your Toyota will be fine, unless Friday's storm is bad.

Berg,
I thought Mr. Roach labeled that down climb as a tough class 3, but I'd certainly take your first hand account over something I'm reading on paper! With current conditions, I'm sure it is... Thanks again.

I've been "Roached" before, where what he calls class 3, is more like 4 to most. It's something to consider with snow, as I usually back off anything that approaches class 4, unless I'm in a solid group or know that the cruxes won't be snow filled/covered. I've found many of the easy options go away with snow.

Link to my image of route down Columbia:
http://otinasadventures.com/trip/img/ki ... _route.jpg

Awesome! Thank you for the beta. Any idea of what the peak itself looks like? We're both competent climbers, but unsafe is still unsafe no matter who you are. We're contemplating a light rope and rack.

Also, getting "Roached" is the best term I've heard in a while! It reminds me of getting "Kor'd".

[bergsteigen]

Awesome! Thank you for the beta. Any idea of what the peak itself looks like? We're both competent climbers, but unsafe is still unsafe no matter who you are. We're contemplating a light rope and rack.

Also, getting "Roached" is the best term I've heard in a while! It reminds me of getting "Kor'd".

Tough to say. The Peak may be easier with the snow, than the Needle. The upper ridge will be the hardest part. I have a TR from January this year which may give you an idea what conditions could be like with snow.

[jdorje]

I would bet you can get to kit Carson from willow lake note, until the next snow. If you're willing to turn around...

Edit: I take it back...the avenue is visibly covered by a ton of snow.