Lone Eagle approach

[Breadloaf]

I have a friend coming in from out of state next week to do Lone Eagle. My specific question is has anyone been from Monarch to Mirror/Crater recently and will he need to hump traction on the approach? I'd normally say yes, but this year the snowmelt is so much ahead of normal. Thank you kindly.

[jerseybrian]

I have a friend coming in from out of state next week to do Lone Eagle. My specific question is has anyone been from Monarch to Mirror/Crater recently and will he need to hump traction on the approach? I'd normally say yes, but this year the snowmelt is so much ahead of normal. Thank you kindly.

I doubt it by next week. I haven't been on the west side yet but I just did South Arapaho peak yesterday and it was dry except a few snow patches near the mine. Lone Eagle is lower so it's most likely dry as well. Possibly there's still some more snow holding on the west side but it's really going quick. I tried to get to King lake 3 weeks ago and there was still 2 feet of snow the last 3 miles. Probably all gone now with the way 4th of July area looked. I'd say bring spikes in case but you'll probably not need them.

[Breadloaf]

Thanks Brian; that was my assumption. I was at Heart Lake from the Portal recently and there is still deep snow there. Was at Sky Pond early this week and it is a good month or more ahead. Did you happen to get a look at Neva couloirs, by any chance?

[illusion7il]

I was in the area on June 4th and I was surprised how much snow was still in the high basins because the peaks look almost dry from Granby. Here are pics of Gourd Lake and Cooper pass. Snow started at 10.6K. It's been very warm, and a lot could have changed since.

[lodgling]

Seems like a no-brainer to bring it. That’s a long way to go just to turn around because you saved a negligible amount of weight. The upper parts of that approach tend to hold snow for a long time.

[Conor]

depends on when you plan on hiking and how comfortable you are on snow. I would expect a few drifts, especially in the trees. as mentioned, 4th of july is pretty dry, but in the AM it was bulletproof - The snow drifts and skywalker. By 8 am, it was softening up. 930/1000, post holing.

[jerseybrian]

Thanks Brian; that was my assumption. I was at Heart Lake from the Portal recently and there is still deep snow there. Was at Sky Pond early this week and it is a good month or more ahead. Did you happen to get a look at Neva couloirs, by any chance?

Yes actually. I was thinking they looked pretty good. I didn't mention that the view down the divide to caribou lake also looked dry.

[eskermo]

Bring an axe AND spikes. All the scrambling on that route is north facing, mostly inset and protected from sun, and STEEP. You'll seriously want something to arrest on terrain that steep. Not to mention IPW region received nearly average snowfall this season in contrast with much of the state. The S Arapahoe comparison is apples and oranges because that entire route faces south and west and melts out fast, whereas Lone Eagle is the complete opposite.

I saw pictures a friend posted of skiing in Lone Eagle Cirque over Memorial Day and it still looked FAT for skiing :D

[jerseybrian]

Bring an axe AND spikes. All the scrambling on that route is north facing, mostly inset and protected from sun, and STEEP. You'll seriously want something to arrest on terrain that steep. Not to mention IPW region received nearly average snowfall this season in contrast with much of the state. The S Arapahoe comparison is apples and oranges because that entire route faces south and west and melts out fast, whereas Lone Eagle is the complete opposite.

I saw pictures a friend posted of skiing in Lone Eagle Cirque over Memorial Day and it still looked FAT for skiing :D

This is probably a good idea. A lot was melting out up there but that basin is kind of tucked away. It is mostly north facing too. It's best to be more prepared.