6/3/2011 Route: North Face Moderate Posted On: 6/3/2011, By: Nelson Info: I felt I could start later because this is North facing and a short climb. WRONG! I started at 6:15 am. The first 1000 ft. or so was on very firm snow and things went well. As soon as the sun started to hit it the snow was soft and punchy ie the thin slab crust was not supporting my weight. I was at about 13,800 or so and was able to stay close to the rocks and only had a little way to go to get to the ridge so I stuck with it. I had hoped to ski it but decided against it because the snow was so soft. I summitted at 7:45 and descended via the North East slope. This was very good skiing (corn) and salvaged the ski descent for me. Lessons: The snow here is NOT consolidated into spring conditions, Start Early! |
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5/28/2011 Route: West Ridge from Guanella Pass Posted On: 6/3/2011, By: kimmykazu Info: So after we tried to head up Gray's/Torrey and were not able to access the road, we headed over to Evans. I was not going to let my day be ruined by some snow, in regard to a hike. So we got a bit of a late start. We headed up Spaulding and were able to make it up the front(South) side. The snow was still crunchy and perfect. As we headed up over to look down at the lake, we could see Long's, Bierdstadt, Gray's and Torrey. What a view! As we headed over to the traverse to Evans, the snow was slushy and made the trek exhausting. "Post holing" will wear you out. We decided to jump down the back road off Evans since the winds did pick up. You should start earlier than we did and you'll be fine! |