18 replies to this topic

[HighPlainsMedic]

Igloo Ed, on 07 July 2011 - 04:53 AM, said:

Thanks, it's good to see the snow crossing conditions. I doubt that will all melt out this summer.

I agree.. as nights get cooler.. however, with the heat over the holiday weekend.. if that keeps up..

I have never liked Yak Traks though.. the roundness of the grip "spring" if you call it that.. I have used Micro Spikes and they seem to work alot better, but I am kinda large.. however in slushy snow.. neither works as well as they would if the snow was stiffer. It's kind of neat to see folks posting from the same area we were in within days of each other..

[Igloo Ed]

HighPlainsMedic, on 08 July 2011 - 08:55 AM, said:

I agree.. as nights get cooler.. however, with the heat over the holiday weekend.. if that keeps up..

The snow is so saturated that it is turning to ice, the ice will take much longer to melt than the snow.
Say!? Ain't this how ice ages start?

[HighPlainsMedic]

Igloo Ed, on 08 July 2011 - 11:11 AM, said:

The snow is so saturated that it is turning to ice, the ice will take much longer to melt than the snow.
Say!? Ain't this how ice ages start?

You speaking from experience?

[WacoHiker]

DeeCeeM, on 08 July 2011 - 07:41 AM, said:

Though it doesn't really apply here, this reminds me of a concept that can get people in trouble if they ignore it. It's not a successful adventure until you return safely. (What immediately comes to mind is the guy who went up Longs with pretty much nothing but what he was wearing and came back in a body bag.) I've seen people climbing out to places (with difficulty) where anybody could see they were going to have a whole lot more trouble getting back. It reminds me of a corollary to the above concept - the most important thing to take with you when you go hiking is your brain.


Good for you for being properly prepared! If everybody was as sensible as you, the rangers would have a whole lot less work to do!

Thanks for the report. We went on the hike July 7th and turned back at the snowfield. It's our second time to make it that far and turn back. We had hiking poles with us this time, and I had hoped that would help us make the final push, but with two 13 year old boys with me, I didn't want to take an unnecessary risk. The boys were scared, yet wanted to push on. I told them it's a great hike regardless and if we slip it's a LONG way down.

We will try to get back in a couple of years in later July. Hopefully that will make it less daunting.