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theclimber
Dec 18, 2003, 8:19 PM
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Registered: Sep 22, 2002
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I will be in Rocky Mountian National Park this coming february and was wondering what Alpine routes would be in season. I know this all depends on the amount of percipitation and avi danger but I didnt know if there were some routes that usually stay in season during that period of time.
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jasona
Dec 18, 2003, 8:59 PM
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There is a book titled "RMNP the High Peaks" which has tons of route info and is worth buying. Other than that. You could do Long's peak, North Face or via the loft. Meeker as well. Really there is too much to list. I am sure others will chime in with their favorites though.
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chouca
Dec 18, 2003, 9:11 PM
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That is PRIME TIME, I envy you. With the recomended guidebook, RMNP will be a playground. I could never figure out why the place was so empty most of the winter when I lived there. Be on the look out for great ice formations leading up to the peaks.
Have a great trip,
Marc B.
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crackjammer
Dec 18, 2003, 10:47 PM
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The Trough, Lamb's Slide, and North Face (Old Cables Route) on Longs Peak, and Dreamweaver and Dark Star on Mount Meeker come to mind immediately. Also the North Face on Notch Top is good, as well as the Flattop Mountain Couloirs.
Have fun.
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mother_sheep
Dec 18, 2003, 11:11 PM
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Speaking of Notch Top, isn't there a big bowl up towards the top loaded with snow? Which side of the peak does it slide down if it releases? How protected is the North Face from slides?
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crackjammer
Dec 18, 2003, 11:27 PM
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You are correct. That route is prone to avalanche danger. It is usually done early season or spring. February is probably not the best time. You have to be wary of the avy danger for any winter ascent in this area though.
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eldoclimber
Dec 19, 2003, 12:22 AM
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You should check Colorado Mountain School's website http://www.cmschool.com/home.asp?build=1&flchk=1 . The head guide posts updates on conditions in the park weekly. You can also call them and they will gladly give you conditions and beta.
Have a great trip.
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theclimber
Dec 19, 2003, 7:39 PM
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Hey guys and girls, thanks for the beta.
I do have the guidebook and am aware of the classics just wasnt sure about the conditions during the winter season. I usually make my pilgrimage to RMNP during the early fall months but I had to take the chance and hit it during the winter this time around.
Thanks everyone!
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mother_sheep
Dec 19, 2003, 8:41 PM
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In reply to: You should check Colorado Mountain School's website http://www.cmschool.com/home.asp?build=1&flchk=1 . The head guide posts updates on conditions in the park weekly. You can also call them and they will gladly give you conditions and beta. Have a great trip.
Too bad they don't update daily. Seems like it's ever changing up there. Neat link though. I'll be using it!
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bluesky
Dec 19, 2003, 8:52 PM
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Registered: Aug 14, 2002
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Check out this site for avy conditions:
http://geosurvey.state.co.us/avalanche/
(actually it was down a few minutes ago, but it is the site for Colorado Avy Info).
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