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nc_trad_climber
Jan 11, 2008, 10:09 PM
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Registered: Jul 22, 2005
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What sort of conditions can I expect on Royal Arches the first week of April? Will be the in valley for the week and would like to hit a couple of moderates. Any other suggestions for that time of year? Snake Dike, etc...
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majid_sabet
Jan 11, 2008, 10:21 PM
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Registered: Dec 13, 2002
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Wet rocks
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shimanilami
Jan 11, 2008, 11:27 PM
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Registered: Jul 24, 2006
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Royal Arches - where I got married, incidentally - will be wet unless we have a freakishly dry winter. A lot of stuff is wet in April. You will probably be able to avoid it if you are cragging. If you're doing a really long route out of the Valley, however, then it's a virtual guarantee that you'll run into water.
If there is significant snowpack, you may run into some on the approach to the Snake Dike. But I think the route itself should be OK.
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marc801
Jan 11, 2008, 11:29 PM
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Registered: Aug 1, 2005
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It will depend of course on the snowpack on the rim and recent storm cycles, but likely unclimbably wet...or totally dry. If you choose the NDG instead of the rap route for your descent, it might be sporting.
Snake Dike will probably have a fair bit of snow on the approach, at the base, on top, and on the cables route descent (and the cables won't be up yet - slipping/falling there can take you over the edge of the NW Face of Half Dome).
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summerprophet
Jan 12, 2008, 12:22 AM
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Registered: Jan 17, 2004
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I have done Arches in April before, but be prepared to hike up your pants and take off the rock shoes for the upper traverse, as it will have an active waterfull running down it.
If you have not done it before, the upper traverse is still quite do-able in the wet, it is a sidewalk. Your ropes will likely get wet here, and will definately get wet on the last rapell down.
Snake Dike would be a better bet for a long early season moderate.
As well California seems to be getting a fair amount of snow this year, might make for a very wet spring.
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mountainstuss
Feb 18, 2008, 3:25 AM
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Registered: Nov 10, 2004
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Not to mention crowds. If you get there just as it turns light enough to see without a headlamp, be prepared to be third in line. The traverse (4th) is adventurous when wet. Consider brining one water bottle and a couple iodine tabs and refilling H20 as you go. And wear sunscreen!
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