Weminuche Advice

[wombat]

Hello, I have plans to hike in the Weminuche June 21-26. I have hiked this area in July - September, but never this early. The initial plan was to walk North up Vallecito Trail and into Sunlight Basin, but then I started considering the impacts of lingering snow. I called the San Juan FS and they gave me some information, but wanted to check with the experienced folks on this site. I don't mind getting wet or delayed postholing, I just want to avoid unsafe situations.

1) Will ~12,000 foot lakes likely be covered in ice? The FS tells me the snow melting in SW CO is about two weeks behind this year.
2) Could South Facing Class 3 climbs up 13ers be significantly more difficult?
3) Should I avoid any North Facing passes or approaches (Twin thumbs pass), or just proceed with caution?
4) Any recommendations on other approaches, or is it all the same WRT snow? Don't want to take the train, but am amendable to Purgatory, Molas, or any other approach into the Weminuche.

Thanks in advance.

[DArcyS]

To hike north up the Vallecito and into Sunlight basin, you will need to cross the Vallecito twice. I've read that this can be somewhat risky in June with runoff, and probably more so this year -- see:

https://waterdata.usgs.gov/co/nwis/curr ... key=huc_cd

and

https://waterdata.usgs.gov/co/nwis/uv/? ... 0065,00060

and

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan ... 0&actid=50

[wombat]

Thank you for the information and links. FS said it should be fordable at the knocked out bridge, yet they haven't been that far north on the trail yet.

[turbocat]

RE: #3 Should I avoid any North Facing passes or approaches (Twin thumbs pass), or just proceed with caution?

IMHO, it would depend if you want to carry/use crampons and an ax or how comfortable you are traversing snow with a pack. Twin Thumbs and most passes with a North aspect hold snow into July down there with run-out into rock fields, so you will want to be able to self arrest. On the plus side, the snow will be soft and slushy and most likely not hard and icy, so you may be able to suffice with trekking poles, and use them to arrest a fall. I do not remember any of those North facing passes being all that steep, especially if you throw in a switchback or 2. I have done Elk Park to Ten Mile to No Name to Ruby 3rd week of June before on an average year (which this is), Ruby and Jagged Pass were totally clear but Twin Thumbs was socked in. I can't speak to the water levels on the Vallecito side, but the basins will also be boggy and buggy, especially No Name, Ruby and Ten Mile if you tread that way. Plan some alternate options and have fun. That area is fabulous.

[wombat]

Thanks turbocat. I just have microspikes and no practice self arresting. I will tread carefully; I may approach the area from the West as you suggested (just can't make it in time for the train, and don't want to lose a day).

[turbocat]

Wombat:

Something I've been tossing around for a few years, which you may consider, is approaching from the extreme East, not South...like Rio Grande Reservoir. I believe the mileage is comparable as from Vallecito, maybe a bit further and more up/down. It depends on your ultimate objectives I suppose. I've been looking at it for Jagged Peak, Mt. Silex and Storm King for an August trip this year. Both Jagged Pass and Columbine Pass are most likely doable now without snow. That section of the Continental Divide Trail is supposed to be awesome.

[wombat]

Thanks Turbocat, I will take a look at that approach. Alternatively I am considering the Ruby Basin approach like you said. My goal is to climb some 13ers (doesn't matter which). I would like to camp by a lake where I can catch and release this time of year, and I don't think this will be possible by 12K lakes like Sunlight/Leviathan but may be possible at the sub 11K lake- Ruby.

DarcyS- Thanks for your links- a great resource! I definitely saw how the flow is about 25% more than the median water flow for this time of year - and more than the average May-Mid June time frame. I spoke to someone different at FS who said a 6' 2" in shape gentlemen turned himself back a couple days ago after reaching the crossing. (Probably not worth the potential loss of a day of hiking and driving to a new trailhead to check it out myself.)

Thanks guys.