Peak Condition Update | Snowmass Mountain

Peak:	Snowmass Mountain
Route:	East Slopes
Range:	Elk
Posted By:	[climber]
Date of Info:	6/8/2014
Date Posted:	6/9/2014

Details
Five of us went up from Snowmass Creek on Saturday, June 7. Starting at 10:00, we reached Snowmass Lake around 4:00. The beaver dam crossing is a little shaky, probably from all of the runoff these days, and two of us dunked our boots. Some postholing started about a mile from the lake. Started from camp the next morning at 2:30. After getting around the lake, the snow was solid to the summit. The west side of the ridgeline is still pretty covered so we stuck to the ridge all the way and it was solid. The snow was slushy crap on the way down but that's just how it's going to be this time of year, so start early.

Details

Five of us went up from Snowmass Creek on Saturday, June 7. Starting at 10:00, we reached Snowmass Lake around 4:00. The beaver dam crossing is a little shaky, probably from all of the runoff these days, and two of us dunked our boots. Some postholing started about a mile from the lake. Started from camp the next morning at 2:30. After getting around the lake, the snow was solid to the summit. The west side of the ridgeline is still pretty covered so we stuck to the ridge all the way and it was solid. The snow was slushy crap on the way down but that's just how it's going to be this time of year, so start early.

Comments or Questions

desertdog	Snowshoes? 6/9/2014 7:56pm We are heading up there on 6/19. A couple questions please... Did you need snowshoes after the log jam? Did you take the more direct line (right line on route picture #23) to the summit or the standard line (left line on route picture #23) to the ridge. Your picture number 4 is a classic! Might make a good Christmas card!!! Any other feedback would be appreciated. Thanks Richard
[climber]	No Snowshoes 6/9/2014 8:39pm Nice call on the Christmas card, Richard. Thanks. We really debated the snowshoes for awhile and in the end decided not to take them. With everything else you need on this climb the extra weight isn't appealing. At this point in the season, you'd probably still sink with snowshoes. We were right in the middle of the two suggested routes. If you look at #23, we went up right at the horizontal arrow point (if that makes any sense). There were no cornices here and there are no rocks to run into below if you lose your hold. It also cuts your ridgeline exposure in half. Be careful looking for exit ramps coming off the ridge. The melting up there is causing the snow to pull away from the rock, revealing deep crevasses that would not be good to fall in. We came down the same way for just that reason. Have fun! It's a great climb. Colin

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