Snow condition memorial weekend

Colorado peak questions, condition requests and other info.
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Noam606
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Snow condition memorial weekend

Post by Noam606 »

Hi,

I was doing some hiking on memorial weekend 2012. I climbed quandary peak and it was just fine. a bit of snow but nothing crazy. I used just hiking boots.
How is it this year? I'm coming this memorial weekend and I wanted to climb some mountains around Breckenridge. Did this year the snow was heavier and I should expect more snow?

Thanks y'all
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sigepnader
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Re: Snow condition memorial weekend

Post by sigepnader »

I wish I was able to travel back to Memorial weekend 2012. I wouldn't have trekked up Quandary that weekend. Instead I could've tried a less crowded peak. I digress....

What peaks are you thinking of?
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bergsteigen
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Re: Snow condition memorial weekend

Post by bergsteigen »

Lots and lots of lovely snow. It's looking like mid winter up around the 10 Mile still. Even Decalibron and Sherman are flocked with white.
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Noam606
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Re: Snow condition memorial weekend

Post by Noam606 »

thanks for the replies.


any peak would be fine. it's beautiful everywhere in that area.
sounds like any peak will have a lot of snow (I got no issues with patches).
Any ideas for hikes around Breckenridge that will be in lower altitude?

one of the hikes I wanted to do is Chicago lakes: http://www.protrails.com/trail/393/summ ... /Trail_Map" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Another hike I wanted to do: http://www.protrails.com/trail/368/summ ... /Trail_Map" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Do you think those hikes are possible to do without any snow equipment?

Thanks again.
Newt2
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Re: Snow condition memorial weekend

Post by Newt2 »

The snotel report is showing about a foot of snow at most areas around 10,000 feet. It the weather holds up over the next couple of weeks you might be able to get to Lower Chicago Lake and Lower Mohawk Lake without too much problem but you'll probably run into pretty good snow to get to the upper lake on either route. You might be fine if it's packed down enough though.

Here's a link to the report. For Chicago Lakes, reference Echo Lake and Hoosier Pass for Mohawk. Should give you an idea at least.

http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/reports/Up ... ate+Report" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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GeezerClimber
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Re: Snow condition memorial weekend

Post by GeezerClimber »

2012 was an exceptionally dry year. Remember all the fires? Recent storms have deposited a lot of new snow above 10K. The long term forecast is still for below normal temps and above normal precip. I expect a lot of snow to remain up high on Memorial Day which is less than two weeks away.

Dave
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Re: Snow condition memorial weekend

Post by mountaingoat-G »

bergsteigen wrote:Lots and lots of lovely snow. It's looking like mid winter up around the 10 Mile still. Even Decalibron and Sherman are flocked with white.
I like the way you think !!

I am looking forward to this sticking around well into June.....
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Wish I lived in CO
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Re: Snow condition memorial weekend

Post by Wish I lived in CO »

I was hoping as well to do a "summer" type 14er climb that weekend also, specifically Harvard / Columbia (south facing routes). Earlier this winter it was apparently pretty dry, but got a lot of snow in April. Dave's forecast doesn't look good that way either. I guess I'll have to wait, or try an easy snow climb.
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Noam606
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Re: Snow condition memorial weekend

Post by Noam606 »

Thanks for the replies...I already booked hotels and all so I will try to find some nice trails.
Maybe next time I will shoot for July :wink:
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mtgirl
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Re: Snow condition memorial weekend

Post by mtgirl »

Breck isn't far from the Lost Creek Wilderness, which is lower altitude and dries out faster. Look into Bison Peak. It's a 12er, but a gorgeous one with an interesting summit.
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Re: Snow condition memorial weekend

Post by mountaingoat-G »

everyone I talk to about the Lost Creek Wilderness says it's a mob scene..
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mtgirl
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Re: Snow condition memorial weekend

Post by mtgirl »

mountaingoat-G wrote:everyone I talk to about the Lost Creek Wilderness says it's a mob scene..
I've never experienced crowds. I've climbed Bison without seeing another soul. Maybe the secret is out ??
"Life is not measured by the breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away."
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