6 replies to this topic

[tropicdiver]

I keep checking the Estes Park weather, which seems to get a bit more depressing each time I look at it. Is it safe to assume the weather in Estes Park will pretty much cover what to expect in RMNP, also? I'm having these visions of sitting in the car while it rains while up in the park. I'd like to think it isn't like Florida and won't rain on and on and on without letting up for all three days.

If the worst happens, are there any alternate things to do in the area?

Thanks!

Edited by tropicdiver, 22 May 2009 - 05:21 PM.

[hahn23]

I keep checking the Estes Park weather, which seems to get a bit more depressing each time I look at it. Is it safe to assume the weather in Estes Park will pretty much cover what to expect in RMNP, also? I'm having these visions of sitting in the car while it rains while up in the park. I'd like to think it isn't like Florida and won't rain on and on and on without letting up for all three days.

If the worst happens, are there any alternate things to do in the area?

Thanks!

The forecast does contain scattered showers for every day of the weekend. Fear not! Not a drop of rain today. We do live in a high elevation desert. Rain showers do occur, but they are usually brief and then the sun comes out. Today was really a beautiful day and it was supposed to be rainy. The temps are in the 60s for highs, but that's not bad. On 99% of the days here, the morning is much, much dryer than the mid-afternoon. Almost without exception, from now until October, one can hike in dry conditions during the first 5 hours of the day without rain or lightning.

The classic summer weather pattern is t-storms from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm. That's also the highest likelihood of lightning. So, if you must hike in the mid afternoon, bring protective rain gear and be below treeline. T-storms after 4:00 pm until sunset will come with rainbows... part of the mountain weather... have your camera ready. Layering of clothing is the key. I was outside at 5:45 am this morning, with fleece jacket and goretex shell and shorts. I was perfectly comfortable. By 1:00 pm, I was in short sleeve shirt and shorts. Perfectly comfortable. As I write this at 6:00 pm, I've put my fleece jacket back on. Still very comfortable.

This sounds "preachy", but the key to being happy in the mountains is regulating your body temp to avoid both chill/hypothermia and sweating. When in the park, the key success factor is to keep on hiking. Your body's muscles generating heat is your biggest ally in cool temps. Plenty of liquids is your biggest ally in hot temps.

Come visit this weekend's Art Market in Bond Park, Estes Park. Looks like a good show to me..... something to do during an afternoon rainshower.

Edited by hahn23, 22 May 2009 - 06:14 PM.

[tropicdiver]

Richard, thanks for the most uplifting response. We do appreciate it.

[Bill 007]

We use the weather forecasts up there for a general idea. They usually get the "it's gonna be cold" and the "it's gonna be windy" parts right but everything else is usually a crap shoot. I've never let the forecast change our plans...just bring the layers and rain gear and do it!!!

Bill
(BTW...welcome aboard fellow Texan! We're trying to take over Colorado...Smudge (another Austinite) has already seized McGregor Mountain Lodge!! I've identified and targeted all the beer establishments.....we will prevail!!!)

[SandyP]

Well, what I remember about the Estes Park weather reports is that they are fairly close when it comes to "Estes Park" proper. But it is always colder in RMNP when you start climbing up to any elevation at all. Even Bear Lake is much colder than whatever it is in Estes Park. And the higher you go, the more likely you are to get snow and be reeeeeally cold. I can say that because I understand you are from Austin, so I know cold and hot mean the same thing to you as it does to me in San Antonio

You are going to soooooooo love it tho!

[John]

Maybe these links will help

Forecast for Estes Park (7,500') http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?C...105.521&e=0

Temperature at Bear Lake (9500') http://www.met.utah.edu/cgi-bin/roman/meso...e.cgi?stn=BLKC2

Forecast for Longs Peak (12,250') http://forecast.weather.gov//MapClick.php?...05&map.y=87

[slowpoke]

The weather turned out OK. Just got back from a two night glamping trip to Moraine Park. A little rain here and there each night but it held during the day. The high peaks were obscured most of the time and we could only see about 20 feet in front of us the entire drive up TRR to the visitors center and back. Thankfully, this kept the hordes of people away and allowed us to enjoy the park.