Quandary East Ridge?

[awake]

I didn't start hiking 14ers until last summer. I did a bunch of them (16) but have never done one in the snow. I think I would like to do Quandary. I don't really have any snow gear other than warm clothes and boots. From what I am reading here, that should be plenty to do Quandary now???? Are you doing the normal summer route or heading up to the ridge early? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

I don't know anything about the current conditions on Quandary, but snowshoes will really help depending on the conditions. Here is a good trip report that explains what can happen when you don't have snowshoes when they're needed: http://www.14ers.com/php14ers/triprepor ... ki=Include.

Other traction, such as Microspikes, can be perfect for hiking on that layer of thin snow or ice that is slick. When it's just a little bit of snow, Microspikes work great. But when there is deep snow, snowshoes are what you'd want to bring.

[Tejonmax]

Yes I understand the need for snowshoes and would not normally consider a trip up a 14er without them except for the conditions on Quandary that are being reported in a couple of posts above. I guess I am just getting anxious waiting for some better conditions.

[billrwathier]

Unless there's some truly apocalyptic snow between now and then you'll be fine with that gear.

Thanks!

[billrwathier]

Yes I understand the need for snowshoes and would not normally consider a trip up a 14er without them except for the conditions on Quandary that are being reported in a couple of posts above. I guess I am just getting anxious waiting for some better conditions.

Folks keep recommending an alpine start to avoid postholing by mid morning.

[Kiefer]

Snowshoes aren't a guarantee that you won't posthole. But.....they are a great way to hedge your bets to not to.
Alpine starts are another way to hedge your bets to avoid postholing.
But, if postholing doesn't bother ya, it's a PHENOMINAL way to burn some calories!!!

[billrwathier]

But, if postholing doesn't bother ya, it's a PHENOMINAL way to burn some calories!!!

I could probably use it for sure...

[AlexeyD]

Conditions as of this Sunday (5/17): http://14ers.com/php14ers/peakstatus_en ... ecnum=4500" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hopefully this helps. As you've probably seen already, more snow is on its way this week, including 10-20" in the higher mountains through Tuesday night: http://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.p ... =-106.0383" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[billrwathier]

Conditions as of this Sunday (5/17): http://14ers.com/php14ers/peakstatus_en ... ecnum=4500" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hopefully this helps. As you've probably seen already, more snow is on its way this week, including 10-20" in the higher mountains through Tuesday night: http://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.p ... =-106.0383" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I just saw your Conditions report this morning. I'm looking at going Thursday, but I might change my mind...

[billrwathier]

I'm giving this a bump, since I might head up there tomorrow - 5/28.

I'm slow and take plenty of breaks. I'm not sold on going yet, but I don't mind an alpine start if I go.

Any Takers?