Wheeler Peak, New Mexico

[Greenhouseguy]

Any recent beta for the snow conditions on the Williams Lake route? I'll be heading down there this weekend. Thanks!

[kimo]

We were up there on Saturday 11/2. Went up Bull of the Woods to the Wheeler Pk trail, then down from the summit to Williams Lake and back to the car by walking on the road. Glad we had snowshoes for the ascent up Bull of the Woods Mountain and through La Cal basin. The Williams Lake route held some snow but probably nothing you couldn't boot up. You might find traction devices useful in spots. Or maybe not. Some pics:

The upper slopes of Wheeler Peak. Williams Lake can be seen down below.


Approaching the summit.


The descent to Williams Lake.

[Greenhouseguy]

Thanks, Kimo. Great information!

[semitrueskerm]

Toas Ski Valley got 14 inches of snow two days ago, so be prepared.

[abqben56]

The Powderhorn snotel at TSV, at about the same elevation as the lake itself, is reporting 23 inches.

[Greenhouseguy]

Ouch! That's a lot of snow. I hiked it in mid-November with no snow at all in 2010. Sounds like it will be fun. Thanks for the info.

[desertdog]

We were there yesterday via Williams Lake route. Snow up to our knees from last storm. Because it was very warm the snow had the consistency of mud. We used snow shoes. The basin held less snow once out of trees. The good news is we broke trail for you.

[Greenhouseguy]

We were there yesterday via Williams Lake route. Snow up to our knees from last storm. Because it was very warm the snow had the consistency of mud. We used snow shoes. The basin held less snow once out of trees. The good news is we broke trail for you.

Thank you much! I was a little concerned about avy danger with that quantity of snow.

[semitrueskerm]

Be careful, Greenhouse. That Williams Lake route does go through some dicey areas that look as though they could break loose. There wasn't much snow then when Mongoose & I climbed it a few weeks ago, but Mongoose & I commented on how we might be uncomfortable if it had more snow. I don't think it should deter you from going, especially if a trail has been broken...but be aware, as I'm sure you will.

(Remembering our snow climb on that windy day on Elbert a few years ago...)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfpbBa0 ... q9ONPnzEFc" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[MonGoose]

It's a beautiful area. The switchbacks above Willams Lake do cross a few avalanche paths, so be careful.

http://caltopo.com/map.html#ll=36.55827 ... =0.25&a=sf

[desertdog]

We were there yesterday via Williams Lake route. Snow up to our knees from last storm. Because it was very warm the snow had the consistency of mud. We used snow shoes. The basin held less snow once out of trees. The good news is we broke trail for you.

Thank you much! I was a little concerned about avy danger with that quantity of snow.

Yes, we talked about it and it made us nervous for sure. Didn't see any slides or signs so we went for it. I would definitely agree with the other comments be careful.

[Greenhouseguy]

Be careful, Greenhouse. That Williams Lake route does go through some dicey areas that look as though they could break loose. There wasn't much snow then when Mongoose & I climbed it a few weeks ago, but Mongoose & I commented on how we might be uncomfortable if it had more snow. I don't think it should deter you from going, especially if a trail has been broken...but be aware, as I'm sure you will.

(Remembering our snow climb on that windy day on Elbert a few years ago...)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfpbBa0 ... q9ONPnzEFc" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Yes, Jim, I thought about that trip and threw some handwarmers in my backpack just in case. I also have a lanyard on my camera so it won't pop out of my pocket again! I called the ranger station in Questa for conditions, and he sure didn't offer me any encouragement. We'll probably hit Santa Fe Baldy instead. Thanks for all the responses.