Avalanche on Kelso Ridge

[gonzalj]

Wesley,

In this season of deaths and lost people, I am very glad to hear that you are ok. I plan on summitting my 1st winter 14er next weekend on Quandary and after reading all the threads about everything this year, plan on trying to do as much research as possible to try to be as safe as possible. Was there any specific gear you used on your hike/climb that helped (and any comments would be appreciated)? Lastly, your comments about the NE slopes vs. SE slopes is greatly appreciated.

[moon stalker]

Glad you guys are ok. I was on Kelso just two weeks ago, there sure has been quite a build up of snow in a short time.

[jimlup]

Glad you're OK! Guess you'll really know those warning signs next time. Not being in Colorado at the moment I'm not familiar with the current warning levels. What was the risk warning for wind loaded ridges at the time?

[pioletski]

HFS Carl, glad you're ok. Looks like it's game on already!

[dfish]

http://avalanche.state.co.us/pub_state_avo.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; for the latest report.

[MikeyC]

Hey Carl,
I'm really glad you are ok! Thanks for the warnings already! I'm kinda glad I stuck to rock this weekend.

-Mike

[USAKeller]

Glad you guys are ok Carl! Thanks for posting info and pics - I was shocked to see an avy thread already.

[skiwall]

Wow. Really glad everybody's ok. Thanks for the reminder to be careful.

[Carl]

Not being in Colorado at the moment I'm not familiar with the current warning levels. What was the risk warning for wind loaded ridges at the time?

They haven't started identifying a level of danger for specific zones yet. Although there was a discussion re wind loading in the CAIC report. Was hard to miss the wind though as it was a steady 20 to 30mph on the ridge with gusts higher. We knew the wind was loading in areas, it was just that the areas we had assessed thus far hadn't formed a slab. Even where the slide occurred it seemed that the new snow was bonded together just enough to make it cohesive a layer. It was a risky time to be out, we weren't on our game, and should have stuck with the original plan... Grays Peak.

I plan on summitting my 1st winter 14er next weekend on Quandary and after reading all the threads about everything this year, plan on trying to do as much research as possible to try to be as safe as possible. Was there any specific gear you used on your hike/climb that helped (and any comments would be appreciated)?

Enjoy the winter weather hike. Gaiters and some warm boots go a long way. Goggles and a balaclava are great when it gets windy. Standard route on Quandary is typically known as a pretty avy safe, although I have heard of a slide on the ridge in really bad conditions. That assumes of course you stay on route. Sounds like you're headed up there with a good group.

[coloradokevin]

Wow. Glad you guys made it out safely!

No matter how many years I spend traveling in the backcountry out here, the speed at which winter arrives always surprises me a bit. I hiked two weeks ago in summer-like conditions with no snow around me. Then I went up Butler Gulch two days ago in blowing snow conditions that had me worrying about avalanches.

[zoriloco]

Crazy scary! Glad to hear everyone is ok. Sure does give you a slap of reality when you see avy posts.

[Bean]

Glad you're safe. Good (if not terrifying) reminder to get the avy-eyes out. Hopefully this year will at least be a little safer than last.