Download Agreement, Release, and Acknowledgement of Risk:
You (the person requesting this file download) fully understand mountain climbing ("Activity") involves risks and dangers of serious bodily injury, including permanent disability, paralysis, and death ("Risks") and you fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages you incur as a result of your participation in this Activity.
You acknowledge that information in the file you have chosen to download may not be accurate and may contain errors. You agree to assume all risks when using this information and agree to release and discharge 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and the author(s) of such information (collectively, the "Released Parties").
You hereby discharge the Released Parties from all damages, actions, claims and liabilities of any nature, specifically including, but not limited to, damages, actions, claims and liabilities arising from or related to the negligence of the Released Parties. You further agree to indemnify, hold harmless and defend 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and each of the other Released Parties from and against any loss, damage, liability and expense, including costs and attorney fees, incurred by 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. or any of the other Released Parties as a result of you using information provided on the 14ers.com or 14ers Inc. websites.
You have read this agreement, fully understand its terms and intend it to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law and agree that if any portion of this agreement is held to be invalid the balance, notwithstanding, shall continue in full force and effect.
By clicking "OK" you agree to these terms. If you DO NOT agree, click "Cancel"...
This was my first "Winter" climb. In short, it was snowy and very windy. I previously attempted Quandary in February this year but we had even more extreme wind then with gusts to 60-70mph so I turned back at 13,450. Today we experienced top gusts of around 40mph (enough to knock you off balance or over if not ready for it). The last 600 vertical feet were more difficult. Was having to kick step with my snowshoes to get solid purchase while climbing into that strong wind. At 14,100 I still couldn't clearly see the summit due to the blowing snow. That is the happiest I have ever been on a summit and it truly felt like an achievement.
Because of the cloudiness the snow softened a little but not much and so I wouldn't imagine it was a good day for skiing/boarding. Although two snowboarders descended past us on the way up. The benefit of the cloudiness was not having to deal with post-holing issues on the descent. I was able to plunge step from about 13k to treeline. Man I love descending that way.
Photo taken from the relatively flat bench at 13,200 before the final upper section.
Summit photo just as I topped out.
Self taken summit shot.
Summit shot with Mt. Lincoln in the distance.
Summit shot of Heman my climbing partner for the day. You can see the clouds in the background that we had just climbed through getting to the summit.
It was that way all day as we passed from one band of snow through another.
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
Sure looks like winter, so........ 4/29/2009 2:15am
just change the ”Date Climbed” on the TR. That‘s what I always do.
Good job and congats on a snow season ascent in less than ideal weather!
Steve
Caution: The information contained in this report may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 14ers.com and the author(s) of this report provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the report author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.
Please respect private property: 14ers.com supports the rights of private landowners to determine how and by whom their land will be used. In Colorado, it is your responsibility to determine if land is private and to obtain the appropriate permission before entering the property.
