Hi Everyone... trying to plan around weekend rain... Aspen looks like a good choice... however the snow conditions might be an issue. Does anyone know the conditions on Cathedral? After reading Bellcord conditions it sounds like Cathedral might be too soft. Hoping someone has some beta.
Thanks!
Alex
Cathedral Peak Conditions
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Wildernessjane
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Re: Cathedral Peak Conditions
We did Cathedral Peak on Sunday. We started up the Pearl Couloir at about 5:30 and headed down the standard route around 9:00. The snow starting up the couloir was very firm. It was starting to get a little too soft around 7:30 as we were exiting the couloir. The couloir was kind of a mess (lots of remnants of previous slides/rockfall and a dirt path running down the center) but still fine for climbing. Also, there is big cornice hanging over the top of the couloir still. Some in our group elected to veer left and then scramble up to the ridge, while others exited just to the left of the cornice. The descent down the gully on the standard route was soft but still doable. I wouldn't have wanted to hit it much later than we did though. Temps on Sunday were pretty warm though (a low of 39 degrees overnight, I believe, with clear skies and a light wind). The ridge was clear of snow. We did not use snowshoes and did not regret that decision. There was some minimal postholing above 12,500 or so. I put up a conditions report and added a couple of photos. Also take a look at Fightgravity's conditions report. She has a few more photos. She was in our group but went up and down the standard route.
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blazintoes
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Re: Cathedral Peak Conditions
These snapshots are from June 13th. I got going pretty late and the snow was 7-11 slushee consistency but made for a wicked fun glissade. The last 500 feet to summit were grassy, muddy but no ice! Go for it!
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blazintoes
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Re: Cathedral Peak Conditions
Also, all you need are crampons and one axe. Don't bother with other heavy unnecessary equipment.
Re: Cathedral Peak Conditions
I saw the conditions report from 2 weeks ago but curious if anyone has been up there lately?
“The best climber in the world is the one who is having all the fun.” – Alex Lowe
" Don’t be afraid to move out of your comfort zone. Some of your best life experiences and opportunities will transpire only after you dare to loose."
" Don’t be afraid to move out of your comfort zone. Some of your best life experiences and opportunities will transpire only after you dare to loose."
Re: Cathedral Peak Conditions
Nope, but we were on snow a bit east and found good consolidated south and east facing snow.
Also, I'd recommend the East Face Direct couloir for you. Steeper and more fun than the standard.
Also, I'd recommend the East Face Direct couloir for you. Steeper and more fun than the standard.
"The road to alpine climbing is pocked and poorly marked, ending at an unexpectedly closed gate 5 miles from the trailhead." - MP user Beckerich
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bergsteigen
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Re: Cathedral Peak Conditions
Senad was up there today, and I think a couple others went up the Pearl yesterday.
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Your knees only get so many bumps in life, don't waste them on moguls!
“No athlete is truly tested until they’ve stared an injury in the face and come out on the other side stronger than ever” -anonymous
http://otinasadventures.com @otina
