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LONGS PEAK CONDITIONS
October 31, 2008
GENERAL WEATHER WARNING – Winter is here! Short days, cold temperatures, and gusty winds have returned. Extra clothing is not optional! Be prepared and know when to turn around.
CLIMBING CONDITIONS
KEYHOLE ROUTE – The Keyhole route is rated as TECHNICAL. Significant snow/ice remain on the Keyhole route and will likely remain in areas until spring. Climbers should expect patchy snow and ice from the Boulder Field to the summit with continuous snowy, icy conditions from the Keyhole to the top of the trough. Conditions on Longs Peak can change at anytime! Be Prepared.
NORTH FACE/CABLES ROUTE –Expect snow and ice, creating mixed conditions between the eye bolts.
MT. MEEKER/THE LOFT – Lots of snow and ice on the Loft traverse. Currently the waterfall is sporting a fair amount of ice.
CLARKSARROW – Snow and ice.
PEACOCK POOL ICE – Columbine Falls, the Central Smear, and the Corner are in good condition for ice climbing. Other formations are slowly forming.
DREAM WEAVER (MT. MEEKER) – Expect snow atop of loose rock with some ice.
LAMB’S SLIDE –Lambs slide has transformed into its winter state. New snow is consolidating on top of the glacial snow which is still very close to the surface and on the surface in places.
KIENER’S ROUTE - Snow is unavoidable on Broadway now. Kiener’s Chimney is icy and snowy, and you will find snow on the traverses.
NOTCH COULOIR – Snow and ice, with some buried loose rock below unconsolidated snow.
THE DIAMOND - The North Chimney now is in winter conditions with snow/ice with some wet sections. The Diamond has snow on most ledges with ice in many of the crack systems. Expect winter conditions: short days, cold temperatures, and very little sun this time of year.
SMEAR OF FEAR – Despite the recent "heat wave", this fine ice route is trying to grow, but there is not much volume yet!
TRAIL CONDITIONS
LONGS PEAK TRAIL (to CHASM LAKE or the BOULDER FIELD) - Patches of snow/ice will remain in some areas above tree line and may remain for the duration until spring.
CAMPING
Longs Peak Campground is in winter conditions and open. The water has been turned off for the winter season. However, stream water can be obtained at the Aspen Brook, about 50’ from the south end of the Longs Peak parking lot. Please remember to treat this water. The collection of natural wood (dead or alive) is prohibited. The rate for these campsites is now $14.
OVERNIGHT BACKCOUNTRY PERMITS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL OVERNIGHT BACKCOUNTRY USE!
We are now in the fall/winter backcountry permit season. You must obtain a backcountry permit at Backcountry Office (970/586-1242, open every day from 8 AM - 4 PM on Highway 36 next to RMNP Headquarters or at Longs Peak Ranger Station on weekends only.) It is your responsibility to get the backcountry permit and abide by all rules! Failure to get the permit and/or abide by rules may result in citations.
FIRES
There are no backcountry campsites in the Longs Peak area that allow campfires. You may use a camp stove in the backcountry (no “twig stoves”). Please report all fires and smoke immediately to park personnel.
PETS
PETS ARE PROHIBITED IN ALL AREAS OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK NOT ACCESSIBLE BY MOTOR VEHICLES, including ALL trails and meadows.
Dogs are predators. Dogs can chase, scare and transmit diseases to wild animals. Dogs leave behind a ‘predator’ scent typical of all wild canines like coyotes. This scent can linger in the area for long periods of time and can disrupt or alter the behavior of the native animals this park protects. Dogs can bite humans and some people are uncomfortable around dogs; park visitors should be able to enjoy native wildlife in their natural environment without disruption from other people’s pets. Pets may dig or trample fragile vegetation. Additionally, park regulations help protect your pet’s well-being; your pet could become prey for wildlife, including coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats and owls.
The nearest trail open to pets is the Lily Mountain Trail (not to be confused with Lily Lake) located about ½ mile north of Lily Lake on Highway 7.
THANKS FOR TAKING GOOD CARE OF THE LONGS PEAK BACKCOUNTRY!
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