17 replies to this topic

[Igloo Ed]

We had originally planned on heading up Chaos Canyon but the winds were pretty strong and the weather looked pretty ominous with billowing clouds on the peaks that were whisking across along the Divide. We talked about it and decided a day in the woods would be much more appropriate and decided to head to the Andrews Creek area.
Bill mentioned he'd never seen Zone Lake or Joyce's Pond so I took a different route getting to Loch Vale that first took us to Zone Lake:


We headed towards Longs across the swampy inlet to Zone but it had plenty of snow on it to support us. The snow was rather heavy spring powder that had enough to a slush layer on top to trip up the tip of our snowshoes. We we sinking in about 10 inches and going was tough but we soon arrived at Joyce's Pond:


From Joyce's we headed over to my standard route to Beautiful Lake Marv and got this view of Otis, Hallett and Flattop:


Not to long before we go to the Loch, we came across the long narrow swamp that gives a view I always love to Thatchtop and usually Taylor:


Loch Vale was windy but beautiful:


As we went out onto Loch Vale, a lone snowshoer came up the drainage and went across the lake heading towards the back of the lake:


continued:

[Igloo Ed]

We crossed the Loch but headed to the N.W. corner of the lake where we headed up the hill towards Andrews Creek Campground on my winter route. The going was steep but the terrain we went through was interesting and we all enjoyed the trek up the hill.
We got to the top of a small glacial knob and had great views:


We also went a little further to get a view of Andrews Glacier but it appears I forgot to get a picture of it.
The trudge back was easier than coming up but the snow as tiring and I broke a new section of trail to shortcut going back past Zone and Joyce's.
I was pretty beat by the time we got back to the car.

[mwilson]

As always, great report and pictures, Ed!

[Allie]

Great report and photos, Ed. Glad you guys were able to figure out an alternative.

[HighPlainsMedic]

nice trip.. the snow looks heavy.. do you think the ice is still ok?.. i wonder when it's covered with spring wet snow..

the drifts in the trees at the outlet of the Loch are huge ..

[Bill 007]

Ed...it was an incredible day!!!! Thanks for the tour...and the laughs!

Bill

Edited by Bill 007, 23 May 2011 - 08:57 PM.

[Igloo Ed]

HighPlainsMedic, on 23 May 2011 - 08:25 PM, said:

nice trip.. the snow looks heavy.. do you think the ice is still ok?.. i wonder when it's covered with spring wet snow..

the drifts in the trees at the outlet of the Loch are huge ..

The snow was heavy with a pretty thick crust that was nearly frozen enough to support us in the sunny spots. Only the very windy spots were blown clean down to the consolidated snow where we were able to cruise.
I think the ice is still fine other than around rocks in shallow water. I shoved my pole down into the snow where we were crossing (the north end where all the snow collects) and it was 45 inches deep. The last foot was water. The weight of the snow pushes the ice down and water comes up through the cracks.
Generally, the ice itself turns into those vertical crystals and the ice breaks up by falling apart (like calving on a glacier) but the crystals are locked together. I've walked on this type of ice when it feels a bit spongy (not recommended) but I wouldn't doubt if it'll be another week or more before it is like that. Snow on the ice seems to slow down the breakup.
I've never seen the drifts at the Loch's outlet this big, the big main drift that you go up to get level with the Loch is WAY huge. I wouldn't doubt if at it's deepest point it is 50 ft. deep. It is built way out beyond where it normally ends. From there, it is one long flat drift right out onto the lake.
The rock outcropping below the tarn only has 10 ft. cliffs below it. You could just about down climb the knob and jump off onto the snow below. I think those cliffs are at least 80 ft. tall in summer.
Here's a picture from June 21st of 08:

The shorter rock cliffs on the right side of the knob are nearly buried and could be down climbed easily to the snow. The cliffs on the left were not very tall yesterday.

[Aaron]

Awesomeness!

--Aaron

[mistylady]

Your trips and reports are always amazing! And such beautiful pictures... I am awed at how much snow there is.

[Melanie]

What a wonderful report, and I agree, there is so much snow. Glad Glenn and Bill had an expert guide and enjoyed such an incredible experience.


Melanie<><

[SandyP]

What an amazing day! Bill said it was pretty labor intensive, but exhilarating. I can't wait to hear all the details tonight when Bill gets home. Thanks, Ed for being such a great guide!

[cardinal]

Wow, I can't BELIEVE how much snow there still is!! I am coming out next week to Denver and will spend one day hiking. Sure wasn't planning on using snowshoes but it looks like that is unavoiable. I was thinking of Farichild but may rethink that now.

[charliec]

Igloo Ed, on 23 May 2011 - 07:14 PM, said:

I was pretty beat by the time we got back to the car.

I did a double take when I read that! Who'd a thunk it.

Seriously, Good hike with good company must have been a blast.

[jflo]

Looks like an awesome day!!

[Jo]

A winter wonderland, that's for sure. Well done to the flatlanders for making it up there - I am sore and out of breath just thinking about it.