Is this weekend a wash?

[smoove Profile 14er Peak List (39) 14ers in Winter (11)13er Peak List (27)]

It may be worth mentioning that there's a real possibility of getting AMS just driving straight out from Illinois and heading immediately up a 14er without taking any days to acclimatize. Just because it hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it won't happen. Perhaps another reason to do something much lower and tamer on Saturday. But you may already be on your way back home . . . .

[metalmountain Profile 14er Peak List (28) 14ers Skied (1)14ers in Winter (2)13er Peak List (19)Trip Reports]

FIRST REAL STORM OF THE YEAR!!!!

SNOW!



On a side note I would worry more about freezing your butt off than AMS this weekend coming up from Illinois. This isn't the Himalayas, if you feel sick turn around.

[J-RockandRockpile Profile 14er Peak List Not Entered]

Time to tone down the testosterone guys.

Climbing in a storm is riskier with a higher chance of getting off route. That is just a fact.

It is also just not fun. This weekend is a perfect example of a day where you don't need to be in the mountains. If you learn to pass up days with a forecast like this one you will have a long, enjoyable career in the mountains.

I think when we give advice to people on this forum we should keep in mind to whom we are giving it and the potential consequences of someone following our advice. In general, I don't think we should be suggesting to people we don't know they should climb Holy Cross in a storm.

While I truly agree with your statement here I am going to add that maybe some people need not to ask for others advice on every little subject and do their own research and decision making. If someone without a lot of experience has to ask whether it is a good idea or not to climb Holy Cross in a storm - well that is just mildly perplexing in my mind, its a pretty straight forward answer that needs little consideration.

[smoove Profile 14er Peak List (39) 14ers in Winter (11)13er Peak List (27)]

On a side note I would worry more about freezing your butt off than AMS this weekend coming up from Illinois. This isn't the Himalayas, if you feel sick turn around.

Well I doubt he'd be in mortal danger if he got AMS here. Like you said, if he gets sick (which could very well be AMS), he can just turn around. AMS on top of climbing in the middle of a storm sounds like bad news, of course.

But the incidence of AMS, say on Rainier, is actually much higher than on Denali (or than in the Himalayas, I've heard) because people are able to ascend so much more quickly from sea level (or other much lower elevation). http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/outdoor-medicine/update-ams-and-hace

[theguydog14 Profile 14er Peak List (41) 14ers in Winter (2)13er Peak List (2)Trip Reports]

Sunday looks perfect for Mount Lindsey. Thats where you'll find me unless Great American Beer Festival traps me in Denver where "beer flows like wine. Where beautiful women instinctively flock like the salmon of Capistrano. I'm talking about a little place called Denver." - Lloyd

[peter303 Profile 14er Peak List (34) Trip Reports]

Sunday weather sounds decent.

I wouldnt be surprised if the southern and central passes like Independence and Cottonwood close for the season today Friday.

[Brian Thomas Profile 14er Peak List (49) 13er Peak List (57)Trip Reports]

you could do some lower peak near Denver

Sacrilege! This is 14ers dot com. Take that heresy to Lists Of John!

[randalmartin Profile 14er Peak List (39) 14ers in Winter (1)13er Peak List (14)Trip Reports]

Climb in the snow. Seriously. What's wrong with that?

Agreed. I am planning on Silverheels tomorrow. Will deal with a little snow in the morning and probably windy conditions but the snow isn't really that deep at this point (except maybe in drifts) and the point forecasts are only calling for something less than 5" out of this storm. You shouldn't need snowshoes but spikes might help for icy spots and you will most likely have whatever mountain you choose mostly to yourself.

Having said all of that, Windy and Cold is not MOST peoples idea of fun, 14ers.com community not withstanding. I wouldn't personally drive from Illinois unless I had a better weather window.

[plantmandan Profile 14er Peak List (9) 13er Peak List (3)Trip Reports]

Thank you for reminding me how fortunate I am to live in Colorado. Drive safe.

[Lemmiwinks Profile 14er Peak List (24) 14ers in Winter (5)13er Peak List (27)Trip Reports]

Planning on a 13er near Denver on Sunday. Should be a beautiful day with a fresh coat of snow.

Unless you just have to get a climb in this weekend, I wouldn't recommend driving from Illinois though due to the Saturday forecast.

[I Man Profile Website 14er Peak List (47) 14ers in Winter (38)13er Peak List (50)Trip Reports]

Planning on a 13er near Denver on Sunday. Should be a beautiful day with a fresh coat of snow.

Unless you just have to get a climb in this weekend, I wouldn't recommend driving from Illinois though due to the Saturday forecast.

What 13er?

[smoove Profile 14er Peak List (39) 14ers in Winter (11)13er Peak List (27)]

you could do some lower peak near Denver

Sacrilege! This is 14ers dot com. Take that heresy to Lists Of John!

My humblest apologies.