| Peak: | Huron Peak |
| Route: | Northwest Slopes |
| Range: | Sawatch |
| Posted By: | AlexeyD |
| Date of Info: | 6/20/2015 |
| Date Posted: | 6/23/2015 |
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The creek shortly above the upper trailhead is running pretty high - a pole is definitely helpful for the crossing. There are currently 2 areas of significant snow on the route: one in the flat basin just above 12,000 (Photo 1), and then on the NW-facing slopes from about 12,700' to just below the saddle at 13,400' (Photo 2). The last very short section, maybe 100' or so, of the summit ridge (Photo 3) has a large amount of snow as well. Despite a light overnight freeze (evidenced by the presence of frost and ice on the trail), the crust on top of the snow in the basin was unsupportive even around 7AM, and downright horrendous on the return. We brought snowshoes and were happy to have them for this section, although at times we broke through anyway. The second snowfield was more consolidated on the way up - easily done with microspikes, although snowshoes worked as well - but again, a rotten mess on the way down. Glissading seemed to be the best option for descent, as the snow was too deep and soft for plunge-stepping, but even there it was hard to maintain speed. I would definitely recommend, at a minimum, some type of traction if going up early in the morning, as well as an ice axe if planning to glissade on the descent, and snowshoes if you don't want to posthole thigh-deep crossing the basin. Other than that, it was a pretty easy hike in summer-like conditions, and beautiful scenery. Lots of people out! |
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