Quandary/Bierstadt Monday Snowstorm

[KCandrew]

Hello folks, so im planning on either Quandary or Bierstadt for early Tuesday morning. I'm seeing reports for snow starting Monday and have seen someone saying its calling for a foot in certain areas including those two. My question being; if it does snow 6" or more how difficult would reaching the TH be for either of the two in a 2WD vehicle with pretty good all season tires with 75% tread? I've never been to either so I'm trying to decide which is going to be best as far as TH access is concerned with the impending snow. Side bonus question being route finding in low visibility. I consider myself pretty good at navigation in the back country but is it silly to want to hike either of them in probable low visibility? I have GPS so its not like id lose the trail. Any help is appreciated! Thanks folks!

[justiner]

Quandary is basically right off the highway, so there should be little access issues. The pass up to the summer TH for Bierstadt may be closed if almost a foot hits, so perhaps you'll be in for a longer hike. Who knows if Guanella Pass would be plowed by then, anyways?

May be a good time to mention avalanche season has now started. Neither of these mountains by their standard routes are notorious for avalanche activity, but it's a risk. Main danger on these relatively "easy" peaks in winter could potentially be exposure.

If there's 10" of snow falling, there's not going to be any trail to follow. Slow going. Get an early start, and re-evaluate your chances of summiting safely.

[SolarAlex]

trying to drive up to the quandary trailhead (on state highway 9) can be pretty snowy/icy during storms. There was a major pileup a couple days ago during the last storm. 2wd and all seasons isn't going to cut it. There are a couple of steep switch backs getting to the quandary turn off. I believe that HWY 9 is subject to the traction laws and you would certainly be in violation with your vehicle.

at the risk of sounding like a jerk, do us summit county folks (and yourself) a favor and don't be the guy in the 2wd with crap tires that shuts the highway down.

[Trotter]

Hello folks, so im planning on either Quandary or Bierstadt for early Tuesday morning. I'm seeing reports for snow starting Monday and have seen someone saying its calling for a foot in certain areas including those two. My question being; if it does snow 6" or more how difficult would reaching the TH be for either of the two in a 2WD vehicle with pretty good all season tires with 75% tread? I've never been to either so I'm trying to decide which is going to be best as far as TH access is concerned with the impending snow. Side bonus question being route finding in low visibility. I consider myself pretty good at navigation in the back country but is it silly to want to hike either of them in probable low visibility? I have GPS so its not like id lose the trail. Any help is appreciated! Thanks folks!

check co dot webpage for if guanella pass is open, before you drive up. But likely it would be closed. And check out the co traction law, if they declare it you need snow tires or chains to drive I 70

Quandry is the safer bet, but Justiner is right, you'd be breaking trail if you are first out there after the snow

[KCandrew]

Yeah not sure how id feel about breaking trail on a mountain I've never hiked. I do have chains in the trunk but id rather avoid any potential sketchy'ness if possible. Looks like ill be re-evaluating on Tuesday. Worst case I'll just have to wait till next week. Thanks for the input guys!

[STIBungy]

Guanella usually closes around this time of the year so the next snow storm may just close it.

[rijaca]

According to Clear Creek County, the Guanella Pass road will be closed (gated) at the normal winter closure on Mon Nov. 28.

[hessma]

Just got a spot ping and a summit pick from a friend on Quandary. Looks like the forecast was spot on and snow showers are holding off till later today.
http://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/ ... casts/4348" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[hessma]

Just got a spot ping and a summit pick from a friend on Quandary. Looks like the forecast was spot on and snow showers are holding off till later today.
http://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/ ... casts/4348" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

And no, it wasn't Dick. I can neither confirm nor deny Dick's whereabouts...