Uncompahgre in March

by **jmanner** » 20 Feb 2013, 21:55

Hey Forum,

Buddy and I were thinking about backpacking in and attempting Uncompaghre on the next nice weekend. Which leads me to my point: having read USAKeller's great report from 03/11/2012, does anyone have any other thoughts about conditions "down" there in mid-late winter? Or specifically anyone attempted it this winter and want to pass on some of their wisdom? -Thank ya

by **sstratta** » 20 Feb 2013, 22:05

It took me 4 attempts before I finally got to the summit, and even though none of those were in March, they were pretty close (February, April, and May). Here's my trip report:

http://www.14ers.com/php14ers/tripreport.php?trip=11612&parmuser=sstratta&cpgm=tripuser

by **jmanner** » 20 Feb 2013, 22:09

sstratta wrote:It took me 4 attempts before I finally got to the summit, and even though none of those were in March, they were pretty close (February, April, and May). Here's my trip report:

http://www.14ers.com/php14ers/tripreport.php?trip=11612&parmuser=sstratta&cpgm=tripuser

Perfect time frame thank you! I remember reading your trip report last summer! Good stuff! =D>

by **ameristrat** » 21 Feb 2013, 08:56

jmanner wrote:Hey Forum,

Buddy and I were thinking about backpacking in and attempting Uncompaghre on the next nice weekend. Which leads me to my point: having read USAKeller's great report from 03/11/2012, does anyone have any other thoughts about conditions "down" there in mid-late winter? Or specifically anyone attempted it this winter and want to pass on some of their wisdom? -Thank ya

Keep an eye on the snow too. Remember last year was a very low snow year. If snow continues to not fall in Colorado, you can probably expect similar conditions. If it continues to snow like it's about to this weekend, it could be deeper / snowier / generally different. I daresay a partially covered Sunshine / Redcloud in January like we saw was pretty atypical. Keep an eye on TRs and Conditions Reports from that area.

by **Carl** » 21 Feb 2013, 14:00

Looks like Bean's got the other March TR from our trip. We made two attempts. Turned back the first time a little above 13k because we were concerned about avy danger on that slope that is around 30 degrees. I'd be on guard in that area.

If you find firm snow or a broken trail the 15 miles and 5,500 vert can be done relatively easily in a day. We were back in Gunnison for lunch before 1pm cause Bean made us start too early.

by **Bean** » 22 Feb 2013, 08:12

Carl wrote:We were back in Gunnison for lunch before 1pm cause Bean made us start too early.

Sounds like I made us start at the right time.

by **lodgling** » 22 Feb 2013, 09:19

Bean is never early, nor is he late. He arrives at Powerstop precisely when he means to.

by **jmanner** » 23 Feb 2013, 12:25

Thanks for the comments! I agree that to be back in Gunnison by 1pm seems like the exact right time to be done (if you have to drive back to the Denver Metro.)! By the way, how early is that!?!?!

If anyone is interested here is a avalanche report from Uncompaghre from 02/17/13: https://avalanche.state.co.us/obs/obs_report.php?&obs_id=17635

by **jmanner** » 23 Feb 2013, 12:37

Carl wrote:Looks like Bean's got the other March TR from our trip. We made two attempts. Turned back the first time a little above 13k because we were concerned about avy danger on that slope that is around 30 degrees. I'd be on guard in that area.

If you find firm snow or a broken trail the 15 miles and 5,500 vert can be done relatively easily in a day. We were back in Gunnison for lunch before 1pm cause Bean made us start too early.

Just got a chance to look at the trip report. I can't believe grass was visible in March!! :faint:

Uncompahgre in March

Uncompahgre in March

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