Sayres Peak Landscape. From La Plata’s NW Ridge, Colorado, 2015
Up until this week, we had been at 20% to 80% (but averaging maybe 50%) of the typical winter snowpack throughout the state. So, well below “normal”. (As in the photo above.)
It looked like summer conditions were going to set in early–good news for those hikers and climbers looking to access the 13ers and 14ers here in Coloraddy without the long approaches from the winter closures, avalanche dangers, ice, cold temperatures, etc.
Well, belay that.
This week a strong storm system has swept in that threatens to cover most of Colorado’s high mountains with one to three feet of wet, spring, snow. This is great news for farmers, aquifers, lakes, and streams…and I fully support the blare of the herald trumpets to announce what is likely the final coming of the white stuff for winter 2014-2015.
Gotta have the moisture, dontcha know!
As usual when these cold fronts roll through, my e-message notifications have been filled with several consecutive “I-70 East/West bound at [wherever] closed due to multiple accidents…Chains or snow tires required for travel…” etc. It must be nasty up there today.
I’ll just have to pull back and take a new look at what 14er summits might be safely climbable now through June. A re-calibration.
Hmm…And it just might be a good time to take a snow mountaineering course!
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