Extreme Temps and Snow Depths - Dec to Feb...

[deconstructor]

I plan on staying near Leadville frpm December to February. I plan on tackling a few 14ers while there. For those with experience in those months...what were the most extreme conditions you've experienced? I like to prepare for the worst possible scenario.


Thank You!

[deconstructor]

I should of said; any winter experience would be helpful to me.

Thanks

[Scott P]

For those with experience in those months...what were the most extreme conditions you've experienced? I like to prepare for the worst possible scenario.

I have about 262 successful winter ascents in the Rockies, plus many more attempts and the following are the most extreme:

In the same general region, my coldest climb was -24F with an estimated 50 mph wind, which made a windchill of -54F on the new chart and -84F on the old. This was on December 26 2015 on Jacque Peak. We were well prepared though, so it wasn't that bad. Here is a trip report:

http://www.summitpost.org/christmas-mou ... ado/963381" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

My windiest climb however, was on North Star Peak on December 10 2005. I measured the temperature at -14F (which was actually quite a bit warmer than in the valley bottoms). Breckenridge closed because of 130 MPH winds on the ridges. I happened to be on North Star when those winds were measured. It was actually very dangerous and I got blown off the mountain:

http://www.summitpost.org/dangerous-win ... ain/170697" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

There really is nothing you can do to prepare for such conditions.

If you are interested, here are the coldest nights I have spent in various places in the Rockies in each month:

http://www.summitpost.org/overnight-tem ... ies/186172" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Here are some other trip reports with some pretty bad conditions:

http://www.summitpost.org/whiteout/967618" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

(only one really bad day for this one)

http://www.summitpost.org/lessons-in-brutality/697103" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

That said though, even in winter the weather can be pretty benign. I have had many pleasant days as well.

[deconstructor]

Thanks Scott...amazing stuff!

[CreekRunner]

I honestly can't say I've experienced anything as extreme as ScottP, but the worst I've been in is a complete whiteout knowing there is a giant cornice some ways away. With weather, even 35 mph winds are brutal and have made me cold very quickly if skin is exposed. To be prepared, obviously take layers, but also consider taking an extra pair of gloves (I had a mitten fly across Humboldt to land two feet from a cliff, very scary). Your time would be miserable if one was lost.

[deconstructor]

Thanks man! I plan on doubling up on crucial equipment!

[Monster5]

I don't recall if these were the most extreme, but certainly the most recently memorable nods for me go to:

-Massive and N Massive and whatever the heck is in between with Furthermore a couple winters ago. Sustained 30-45 mph with gusts in the 50s made for the most idiotic suffer fest around. A few smarter parties turned back. Balaclava and goggles affair.

-This past January with dannyg23 and thegreatcamillo on a Crestone traverse attempt. Sustained 25 mph with gusts up to 40ish. Everything rime coated. I run pretty warm and generally use thin liners year round, but my hands were going numb even in big gloves and my eyes were watering behind goggles. We turned back before the crux gully on the Needle and returned a week later in bluebird warm and enjoyable conditions.



Some other painful experiences have been big group winter finishers with 10+ people. Those get a bit cold and tedious, not including the summit parties. Dominic's finisher was especially numbing, despite most people ducking out early

I grew up in Anchorage and have rather vivid memories of freezing trench warfare shoveling in -40 degF to get to the dog kennel.

[deconstructor]

Awesome stuff, thanks for sharing, buddy!

[blazintoes]

I grew up in Anchorage and have rather vivid memories of freezing trench warfare shoveling in -40 degF to get to the dog kennel.[/quote]

You're going to make a good husband!

http://tinypic.com/r/30vy6a0/9

[ajkagy]

I have about 262 successful winter ascents in the Rockies, plus many more attempts and the following are the most extreme:

In the same general region, my coldest climb was -24F with an estimated 50 mph wind, which made a windchill of -54F on the new chart and -84F on the old. This was on December 26 2015 on Jacque Peak. We were well prepared though, so it wasn't that bad.

My windiest climb however, was on North Star Peak on December 10 2005. I measured the temperature at -14F (which was actually quite a bit warmer than in the valley bottoms). Breckenridge closed because of 130 MPH winds on the ridges. I happened to be on North Star when those winds were measured. It was actually very dangerous and I got blown off the mountain.

Holy crap, that is impressive. I've been out in some bad conditions and skied peaks in cold/wind/white outs, but nothing compared to that, wow.

[TallGrass]

I grew up in Anchorage and have rather vivid memories of freezing trench warfare shoveling in -40 degF to get to the dog kennel.

You're going to make a good husband!

Unless she was the one who sent him to the doghouse.

[Chase_Rowdy]

but also consider taking an extra pair of gloves

I always take a pair of gloves and mittens in the winter ( as well as glove liners). If you lose one, or they get wet, you're screwed. 2=1 1=none.

Make sure your layering system "seals' the heat in and the wind out. Try experimenting with your layers on short hikes or in the back yard and purposely go out into terrible conditions to see what works and what doesn't.