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 Peak:  Torreys Peak
 Route:  Kelso Ridge
 Range:  Front
 Posted By:  Monster5
 Date of Info:  3/10/2012
 Date Posted:  3/10/2012
Details

Kelso Mountain, Torreys via Kelso, and Grays:

TH: Don't even bother trying to drive beyond the I-70 lot.

Road: Hard pack (snow-mobile) or dry. Some skiers have been skidding down it.

Kelso Mtn - Ascended the tedious East slopes (zig-zagged up grass tips). No signs of instability or avy concerns. Some out-of-state skiers climbed up and skied down the avy chute facing the summer TH thinking it was Dead Dog. Descended the S ridge to Kelso Ridge (the scrambly sections on the Kelso Mtn side are dry and the ridge is either dry or hard snow).

Kelso Ridge - Excellent condition. Almost felt like cheating. Only used microspikes, but an axe could be handy in spots. Lower cruxes are essentially dry; most obstacles either climbed directly or bypassed to the right on ledges/gullies with good holds. No reason to venture near avy spots. Never felt the need to pull out the rope.

Torreys/Grays standard routes - Hard snow pack. Microspikes or light traction highly recommended. No need for snowshoes. Oddly dry in the basin. No real avy danger. Some debris off Kelso across trail that is avoidable, but not really concerning.

Pics start here: https://picasaweb.google.com/105978537438093356597/Winter2012 #5718467414697730354



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