early season snow on 14ers/13ers

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ncpaul
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Joined: 9/7/2020
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early season snow on 14ers/13ers

Post by ncpaul »

Hello:
Pretty new to climbing these peaks. I know my question about early season snow depends a lot on location in the state, mountain range elevation, aspect, etc. But does anybody have some general thoughts on whether the snowfall from the storm this week will be expected to persist above treeline, or in contrast, melt off and give way to dry rock again, before more permanent stuff falls later in the season.
Thanks for any thoughts.
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JamesK
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Re: early season snow on 14ers/13ers

Post by JamesK »

It should mostly melt off by this next weekend.
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emgordon_II
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Re: early season snow on 14ers/13ers

Post by emgordon_II »

Depends on how deep it falls and wind speed/duration/direction. I’m seeing CAIC models for Sawatch range upwards of 2 feet. With wind loads, there is potential for 4+ feet in gullies which would almost certainly stick around. Generally, I would guess that slopes below 10k will melt out and ridge lines will be clear of snow within a week while shady NW to E slopes below treeline will stay snowy if more than 6-12 inches accumulate.
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sigepnader
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Re: early season snow on 14ers/13ers

Post by sigepnader »

ncpaul wrote: Mon Sep 07, 2020 5:50 pm Hello:
Pretty new to climbing these peaks. I know my question about early season snow depends a lot on location in the state, mountain range elevation, aspect, etc. But does anybody have some general thoughts on whether the snowfall from the storm this week will be expected to persist above treeline, or in contrast, melt off and give way to dry rock again, before more permanent stuff falls later in the season.
Thanks for any thoughts.
It’ll just be a muddy mess by Saturday. High is 66 in Fairplay this weekend. Not to mention the ground has been pretty warm for some time.
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