14ers.com • Peak Condition Update

Peak:	Rinker Peak (13er)
Route:	Willis Gulch Approach
Range:	Sawatch
Posted By:	supranihilest
Date of Info:	04/26/2020
Date Posted:	04/26/2020

Details
The freeze overnight was weak and the snow is awful. I found numerous spots of punch crust with bottomless facets below. I turned around after about 3 miles since it had taken me hours to get that far with the poor conditions. There's also significant avalanche debris still piled up in the gulch near 10,800 feet that was a pain to climb through. I'd perhaps be more inclined to take the full ridge next time. Photos (click for slideshow):

Details

The freeze overnight was weak and the snow is awful. I found numerous spots of punch crust with bottomless facets below. I turned around after about 3 miles since it had taken me hours to get that far with the poor conditions. There's also significant avalanche debris still piled up in the gulch near 10,800 feet that was a pain to climb through. I'd perhaps be more inclined to take the full ridge next time.

Photos (click for slideshow):

Comments or Questions

mtngoatwithstyle	Avalanche debris 04/28/2020 07:16 As I read this report last night, and had just read the CAIC avalanche report and specific by area reports in the morning, I noticed there is an avalanche report from an unknown skier that states that an avalanche had been released as they were attempting Rinker Peak from Monitor Rock, where they were planning on skiing. This happened the day before you were there... and that was the very fresh debris they released.You are lucky that the skiers and you were not there the same day.
supranihilest	Avy debris 04/29/2020 10:16 I believe that was on the north side of Rinker, I was on the southeast side. The debris I was in were from last year as it was just a total wreck of trees, nothing fresh. I've uploaded those pics for future beta.