| Peak: | Mt. Yale |
| Route: | Southwest Slopes |
| Range: | Sawatch |
| Posted By: | Markwise |
| Date of Info: | 4/9/2015 |
| Date Posted: | 4/9/2015 |
| Details |
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We had a great hike on Yale today. The previous day's conditions reports were very helpful. We followed the forecast closely and it called for below freezing temps from 10k up to the summit before noon so we opted to not take snowshoes. Good decision. From the trailhead to at least treeline the "trench" is well compacted and no snowshoes were needed, even as we descended in slightly softer, and muddy, conditions at 1 and 2pm. We had heard of a braided snow trail in a meadow area and I have highlighted the "meadow" we observed with some trail braids on the map I uploaded. We veered left at the first split and nearly got lost until we noticed tracks heading uphill. That's what you want. On the ascent we followed the good trench to where it left treeline and then there was no clear trail. We mostly made our own trail and ascended to the bottom of the main gully below the summit ridge. Here we headed for the left side and eventually found the summer switchbacks. A great idea. Summit ridge was fun, look for the big cairns. Snow didn't really affect this area much. Lots of cool looking hoarfrost on the rocks. On the descent we did our best to follow the summer trail as much as possible. For the most part we did this. KEY NOTE: Around 11,900 as it starts to enter the trees the trail was buried under deep snow and tracks were sparse. As we began to traverse to the west thinking we were following the buried summer trail we encountered deep and unconsolidated snow. Postholed up to the waist for more time than we would like. I've highlighted the entire messy area we encountered in yellow on my map. We wished we had descended the route we ascended. Once we gained the main trench below treeline it was pretty much smooth sailing on the way out. Beware the area highlighted in yellow on my map! Otherwise, it was an awesome day. |
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