Sawtooth Conditions

Colorado peak questions, condition requests and other info.
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Kevin8020
Posts: 318
Joined: 7/18/2008
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Re: Sawtooth Conditions

Post by Kevin8020 »

j babu wrote:
Gahugafuga wrote:Snow usually isn't such a big deal on the ledgy portion of the Sawtooth, but there is typically a tongue of snow on the northeast side of Bierstadt (out of sight in the above pics) where you begin the descent to the Sawtooth traverse. I once had a very dicey descent of this slope in late June so I would definitely expect snow right now. It isn't too steep but a fall would be hard to arrest without an ice ax.
+1 Gahugafuga's got it right!
I'll +1 this also. You definitely want an axe for that section. That tongue was even there into July.

As for the ledges, on my two sawtooth climbs (one with an Evans summit, one without), the last ramp up at the very end of the traverse before you start working towards Evans is EASIER with snow than with all of the really loose scree and rocks.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. --Proverbs 3:5-6