St. Mary's conditions/advice? (or alternate area?)

Colorado peak questions, condition requests and other info.
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goldenite
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Re: St. Mary's conditions/advice? (or alternate area?)

Post by goldenite »

oldschoolczar wrote:^ Did you bychance help me get me car unstuck near the St Mary's parking lot? I owe you another Upslope Christmas ale if so! I really appreciated the help. I am now looking at 4WD vehicles after this latest incident.. ](*,)
Yes! I was that guy! I was glad to help and thanks again for the beer. I don't think I've had Upslope before and don't usually drink "spiced" beers, so it was a treat and was delicious. I ought to look for a 4WD, but that'll be a few years down the line. Hope all is well and say "ruff" to Lucy!
hikingmtn
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Re: St. Mary's conditions/advice? (or alternate area?)

Post by hikingmtn »

I know this thread has been dead for a month, but I thought I'd ask here instead of posting a new thread. Anyone been up there lately? I was thinking of doing James Peak in the next week or so, but wasn't sure if I needed floatation or if traction is the only concern. If anyone has any idea, it would be much appreciated! You'd be saving me a trip up and down schlepping snowshoes when crampons or microspikes would suffice - thanks!
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HikerDan75
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Re: St. Mary's conditions/advice? (or alternate area?)

Post by HikerDan75 »

I went up to the base of James yesterday and having flotation was useful. In places the snow came up to my knee even while using snow shoes. There were a couple places they weren't needed, but over all they'd be good to have on hand. I carried micro-spikes but only used them where the wind blew the snow off the rocks.

Make sure to use poles if they strong predict wind. The winds coming down the glacier were very strong.
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hikingmtn
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Re: St. Mary's conditions/advice? (or alternate area?)

Post by hikingmtn »

HikerDan75 wrote:I went up to the base of James yesterday and having flotation was useful. In places the snow came up to my knee even while using snow shoes. There were a couple places they weren't needed, but over all they'd be good to have on hand. I carried micro-spikes but only used them where the wind blew the snow off the rocks.

Make sure to use poles if they strong predict wind. The winds coming down the glacier were very strong.
Thanks for the update! I don't know that I've ever been to St. Mary's without it being super windy! We ended up heading for Golden Gate with the dogs Saturday because of the combination of the cold and the wind. The current plan is to head out sans pups this upcoming Saturday. I'll update this thread if everything goes as planned!
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