Buchanan Pass - IPW

Colorado peak questions, condition requests and other info.
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Derek
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Buchanan Pass - IPW

Post by Derek »

Does anyone have recent info/pictures on the east side of Buchanan Pass via Buchanan Pass Trail?
I know that it often holds a decent cornice at the pass, but wondered if it was easy traveling this year due to the dry weather. If its too bad, I'll probably just gain the divide 1-2 valleys south...but having a trail is nice.... :)

In fact, any info from the area would be helpful if you have it. Haven't been up there this winter, no clue on whats been going on.

Thanks!

--D
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mtngoat
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Re: Buchanan Pass - IPW

Post by mtngoat »

I'll be driving that way today so I will try to take a picture to post. From the front range, it still looks like a decent snowfield up there.
-Dave

If your life's work can be completed within your lifetime - you are not thinking big enough.
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Derek
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Re: Buchanan Pass - IPW

Post by Derek »

mtngoat wrote:I'll be driving that way today so I will try to take a picture to post. From the front range, it still looks like a decent snowfield up there.
That would be fan-tabulous. Thank you!

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mtngoat
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Re: Buchanan Pass - IPW

Post by mtngoat »

Here you go. Sorry I was not able to zoom in much closer. The light was kind of flat so discerning a cornice was tough. There appears to be a small cornice (maybe 6-10 feet) in the heart of the saddle but might be navigable on the ridge on the north side.

Image

Image

Image

Image

I'm not sure how deep the snow is but I the coverage looks pretty decent. Have a safe hike.
-Dave

If your life's work can be completed within your lifetime - you are not thinking big enough.
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Derek
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Re: Buchanan Pass - IPW

Post by Derek »

Wow, thanks! Those REALLY help!
More snow than I expected up there, but I think you're right that it would probably be doable to hit the ridge to the north. Is that rock I can see directly on the ridge to the north of the saddle I wonder? Maybe just shadow.

Anyway, thanks a lot. Extremely helpful.

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Derek
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Re: Buchanan Pass - IPW

Post by Derek »

Just an update if anyone was curious:
Kimo and I went up to Buchanan Pass this past weekend, attempted to gain the pass, but backed off due to late day temps and soft snow. (Ended up taking a different route straight to Red Deer summit.) I would say you could gain the pass right now if got there early, although thats hard to do because of the distance in that it requires.

Major cornices are avoidable.

Thanks again mtngoat for your beta!

Buchanan Pass from north:
Image

Buchanan Pass from southeast:
Image
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