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August 10th Conditions Report |
Up-to-date information by Eli Helmuth on climbing route and trail conditions in Rocky Mountain National Park and throughout the Estes Valley. Avalanche forecasts and skiing conditions in the alpine region are also reviewed.
Sunrise over Boulder on August 6th
Warning:
Route conditions change constantly, especially in the mountains. Climbing is dangerous. Be flexible in your climbing plans and always prepare for the worst. Be experienced enough for what you are doing. Seek qualified instruction and use proper equipment. We accept no liability for your decisions in the peaks.
August 10th Conditions Report
Sunrise over Dream Lake on August 9th, 2007
The Diamond and most of the other alpine rock faces in the high country of Rocky Mountain National Park were still soaking wet this last weekend after a week-long period of summer "monsoon" weather which can be typical for August in this region.
The east face of Longs Peak on August 10th, 2007
The lower east face of Longs Peak on August 10th
The great news is that the high-altitude, moisture-generating air flow we've been under for some time finally "switched" this week as the persistent plume of deep subtropical moisture migrated to our east. This means that we're free of the persistent cloud decks that were overhead these last two weeks and that we're returning to the more ideal cycle of clear mornings and convective thunderhead clouds in the afternoon and evenings. These afternoon thunderstorms should be isolated and will likely occur later in the day.
The west face of Longs Peak on August 9th, 2007
The last two days have been some of the best of the summer with no threat of afternoon showers and on August 9th, barely a cloud in the deep blue sky. Temperatures are rising in the Estes Valley but still quite moderate (mid-80's) although the strong, high-altitude sun can feel a bit warmer when there is no breeze in the air. The foecast is for a sustained period of stellar weather and so now is the time to maximize the alpine ventures.
Rick Anderson on the sharp end of "Cheap Date" (5.10b), The Book, Lumpy Ridge.
Charlie Gray pasting together the Loose - J Crack directissima (5.10a), The Book, Lumpy Ridge.
The monsoon rains helped change the alpine landscape and especially were effective at melting substantial snow from the few remaining snowfields and slopes that remain covered above treeline. Unfortunately, the Lambslide Couloir on the east face of Longs has suffered the brunt of this rain-caused damage and due to the resulting exposed ice and constant rockfall threat, this area is NOT recommended for travel until temperatures at night start to dip near freezing at 12,000'- this would equate to temperatures at night in the low 50's or colder in Boulder.
Lambslide Couloir on August 10th- in my half hour observing the couloir at noon, no rockfall occurred.
Stettner's Ledges in green, with the safest paths up Lambslide in yellow, and greatest rockfall danger area in red.
Otherwise, the rock faces are drying out quickly and although there is still residual moisture on the east and north faces such as the Diamond and Hallett, most of this wetness should be gone by the weekend. We are anticipating some of the best alpine rock climbing weeks of the summer due to great weather and diminishing crowds as the youth head back to school and things quiet down in Estes Park for the season.
Henry the local black bear heading out after a foraging survey (no luck here).
Enjoy these last few precious weeks of summer!
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