Elbert in Late April
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CONSIGLIEREG8R
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Elbert in Late April
Being from Florida, it is not often that I get to go CO but when I do..I like to try a 14er. I have a short trip planned for business at the end of April. Assuming the weather is favorable, any predictions on a round trip time for a couple of flatlanders? I assume we will take the easiest route.
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speth
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Re: Elbert in Late April
Totally up in the air - it could be snow covered at the end of April, or it could be solidly into couloir season by that time depending on the weather. The last few years, we've been pounded by snowstorms in April.
We've had a pretty dry year, though. If that trend stays in place, you could probably do this like a fall hike.
So... anyhow, not really helpful I guess, but food for thought.
We've had a pretty dry year, though. If that trend stays in place, you could probably do this like a fall hike.
So... anyhow, not really helpful I guess, but food for thought.
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peter303
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Re: Elbert in Late April
Its not really upin the air. 90% of the years there will be significant snow on 14ers in April.speth wrote:Totally up in the air - it could be snow covered at the end of April, or it could be solidly into couloir season by that time depending on the weather. The last few years, we've been pounded by snowstorms in April.
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Somewhat of a Prick
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Re: Elbert in Late April
So is it in the air or on the ground?
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CONSIGLIEREG8R
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Re: Elbert in Late April
Air or ground...I'm a guessin if its in the air, eventually, it will be on the ground most of the time. If I can do it in microspikes I am game. No so sure about snowshows.
Re: Elbert in Late April
Assuming there hasn't been a storm within a couple days of your hike, Elbert is well-traveled even in the winter and should have a trench. The East Ridge route would likely be the easiest, unless this low-snow trend continues and the standard route is accessible by the time of your visit. A hard-packed trench can usually be traveled with just microspikes. Of course, if it's a super warm spring day, the descent might be a post-holing nightmare even with snowshoes.CONSIGLIEREG8R wrote:Air or ground...I'm a guessin if its in the air, eventually, it will be on the ground most of the time. If I can do it in microspikes I am game. No so sure about snowshows.
“There are two kinds of climbers: those who climb because their heart sings when they’re in the mountains, and all the rest.” - Alex Lowe
"There have been joys too great to describe in words, and there have been griefs upon which I cannot dare to dwell; and with those in mind I say, 'Climb if you will, but remember that courage and strength are nought without prudence, and that a momentary negligence may destroy the happiness of a lifetime. Do nothing in haste, look well to each step, and from the beginning think what may be the end.'" - Edward Whymper
"There have been joys too great to describe in words, and there have been griefs upon which I cannot dare to dwell; and with those in mind I say, 'Climb if you will, but remember that courage and strength are nought without prudence, and that a momentary negligence may destroy the happiness of a lifetime. Do nothing in haste, look well to each step, and from the beginning think what may be the end.'" - Edward Whymper
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climbing_rob
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Re: Elbert in Late April
There will be deep and plentiful snow in April this year on the route, even if it doesn't snow another flake. We climbed next-door Massive last weekend; before we got above treeline, the snow was probably 4 feet deep, more in places. This won't go away in two months.
That being said, April should be a fine time, there almost assuredly will be a nice hard-packed track laid down on this very popular "winter" route (I'm talking the east ridge route from Twin Lakes t/h). We climbed it in April a couple years back; if in fact the snow is lean then you might be able to drive part of the way down the road; we went in about a mile or so, saving 2 miles roundtrip.
Might easily need snowshoes though, sorry; it's gets (and stays) deep up there in the trees. Once above the trees you can cache them.
That being said, April should be a fine time, there almost assuredly will be a nice hard-packed track laid down on this very popular "winter" route (I'm talking the east ridge route from Twin Lakes t/h). We climbed it in April a couple years back; if in fact the snow is lean then you might be able to drive part of the way down the road; we went in about a mile or so, saving 2 miles roundtrip.
Might easily need snowshoes though, sorry; it's gets (and stays) deep up there in the trees. Once above the trees you can cache them.
