14ers.com • Peak Condition Update

Peak:	Torreys Peak (14er)
Route:	West Ridge
Range:	Front
Posted By:	askwjs
Date of Info:	09/11/2020
Date Posted:	09/11/2020

Details
Attempted Torreys Peak but only made it as far as Grizzly before the wind got so bad and the visibility was very limited. Wind was sustained 40-50 mph with wind chill below 0. I will assume that the conditions are similar on Grays and Torreys. Snow was drifted in places, crusted on top but soft underneath. Small patches of ice were avoidable, brought spikes but never felt the need to put them on. Wore gaiters and goggles as well which both proved to be necessary today. With the inevitable melt off, ice and mud are both going to be problems in the coming days before the route will be dry again. Highly recommend bringing traction for the next few days at least. Gaiters proved useful today and layers. Basically prepare for early winter conditions if going out this weekend. Photos taken between Grizzly and Cupid Photos (click for slideshow):

Details

Attempted Torreys Peak but only made it as far as Grizzly before the wind got so bad and the visibility was very limited. Wind was sustained 40-50 mph with wind chill below 0. I will assume that the conditions are similar on Grays and Torreys.

Snow was drifted in places, crusted on top but soft underneath. Small patches of ice were avoidable, brought spikes but never felt the need to put them on. Wore gaiters and goggles as well which both proved to be necessary today.

With the inevitable melt off, ice and mud are both going to be problems in the coming days before the route will be dry again. Highly recommend bringing traction for the next few days at least. Gaiters proved useful today and layers. Basically prepare for early winter conditions if going out this weekend.

Photos taken between Grizzly and Cupid

Photos (click for slideshow):

Comments or Questions

montanahiker	Snow 09/11/2020 14:55 Looks like not much snow but just bad conditions meaning when the sun is out this weekend it won't be bad. Does that sound about right?
bmcqueen	LONG way! 09/11/2020 17:18 That route to Torreys is awfully long with tons of vertical feet on a good day! In the conditions today, I'd say getting a summit of Grizzly D was a success. Nice job.
ellenmseb	Holy shit 09/11/2020 17:20 Crazy because everything looks snow-free from my house in Dillon. (I can only see up to 12.8k though). thanks for the report. Making me feel better about my decision to sit out tomorrow and try with spikes Sunday.
askwjs	This weekend 09/11/2020 20:27 Doesn't look like much, but is enough to melt and cause some ice and very slick and muddy conditions as it warms up. Was enough to sink into at or above ankle even on a wind blown ridge. Was already some ice formed, but was avoidable. Thanks, Brad, we are super happy with what we accomplished today.