Sawatch Snow

[nedryarson]

I see it was asked about in the Shav/Tab thread that is in progress, but does anyone have an update on how much snow has fallen in the Sawatch this week?

[realhillboarding]

We drove through Salida last evening and there looked like there was a dusting above about 13k, not much though. One day of sun and I would guess it will be mostly gone.

[nedryarson]

Good to know, thanks!

[moneymike]

monarch pass on the 26th. It looked nice, but it was only a couple inches

IMG_2746.jpg

[gettingolder]

Just hiked Mt. Massive today, Saturday 9-29, and there was a little snow in the trail above 13,000'. Most of it was slushy and muddy by the time I descended this afternoon. Once you got on the saddle at 13,900' and began to ascend towards the summit, the rocky trail has an even more south-facing component so there was almost no snow at all. In general, snow was certainly no problem; quite a few people up there today and I didn't hear/see anyone having issues. I had my microspikes but felt no need to use them and often I'll break out the trekking poles to come down, but didn't use them today, either--even when there was a little bit of snow to hike through. A beautiful day up by Leadville today.

[dr_j]

Could anyone comment on Elbert via the north route, is there any snow left on the trail or the peak at this point? I am considering trying it on Tuesday.

[bblack99]

Could anyone comment on Elbert via the north route, is there any snow left on the trail or the peak at this point? I am considering trying it on Tuesday.

Here's the upper mountain from ~12:30pm today. Bootpacked snow has turned to ice in a few places. I avoided that and did a little shallow plunge-stepping to keep my footing in hiking boots. Saw a dude in Saucony tennis shoes manage it as well, but microspikes would have sped up the descent tremendously.

100_4901 (Small).JPG

[dr_j]

Thanks much. I'll try to give it a go tomorrow, the weather looks stable, and it seems like the temps have warmed up since.

[DrPowercat]

Looking to do Belford/Oxford with my 11 year old (birthday is Saturday) and 9 year old this Sat. or Sun.
They have done a couple of 14ers, but this will be our first non-summer hike on a 14er.
Any updates on current conditions there before Sat. or Sun. would be appreciated.
Thanks

[Wentzl]

We did Missouri yesterday (10/2) and there was no snow whatsoever left on the West Ridge route and everything we could see of Belford/Oxford was totally dry.

[Wentzl]

Huron had a little snow but was easily hiked in sneakers or other summer footware of choice.

[dr_j]

Elbert North trail:

I hiked it on 2 October. Once you get above treeline, on the north-facing slopes, there is just enough snow covering the trail that it's pretty hardpacked and icy. But it's easily avoided by walking to the side a bit. From the tracks on the snow, it looks like some people did use microspikes. Trekking poles would be very helpful here.

The summit itself is snow-free, the south trail looks fine, one will need some extra time to step carefully, especially on the way down. Temps were warm at the top, it seemed to be wind-sheltered, but the lower slopes were probably a steady 15-20 mph wind.