Plum TV Spot - Chad Peele

Here is the URL address to a fine clip, done by the great folks at Plum TV in T-ride. This is the 2nd time we have had the pleasure of teaching one if their crew. Enjoy!

http://telluride.plumtv.com/videos/plums_abby_kingston_tries_out_ice_climbing

Ouray Ice Park

Tuesday was a beautiful break from the continued snows. We all got out and enjoyed the sun. It was a nice reminder of how incredibly pleasant Ouray Ice can be.

It has been super quiet in the park this week so far. Plenty of room and good, solid conditions. No avalanches or long approaches.

Photos are: New Funtier, S$*^house Wall (2-3), Gaxebo, and Abridgement.

Ames area

Some friends were in town, eager to climb somewhere other than Skylight and the Park.  Since the passes were closed yesterday, they headed for Ames Ice Hose.  Skiing in, they were greeted by constantly collapsing snow and lots of serious whomping as they neared the climb. Enough so, they decided a hasty retreat was a better and safer idea.  With the recent snowfall amounts and most importantly, the furious winds out of the S/SW, the area was seriously loaded.  Perhaps a few days will see things settle down.  They did report that ice conditions looked great from what they could see of the route...  On their return, they swung past Ames Falls and reported good, but slightly soggy conditions there.  

Mountain conditions report

There was not as much accumulation in the Gorge as up on the pass, although winds were quite strong. Up high Avalanche hazard remains high, and the distribution of snow makes it tough to assess accurately. With more on the way, things should remain touchy thru the weekend. Once the pass opens, people need to remain aware of the hazard. There is hazard on the engineer climbs, especially Over the Rainbow. The skylight climbs are not a "safe" area either, some can run quite large. Check the avi report, look for clues, and assess consequences deliberately.

There were a number of reports of de-lamination on Gravity's Rainbow during the last warm spell. Hopefully this recent blast of winter has re-sintered things to the rock. I'll post once I get a look myself.

CC

Ice Park

The snow arrived right on schedule today, we'll see if we get as much as predicted.

Climbed in the lower park today, and found great conditions. Both Scottish Buttresses are in fine M3-4+ conditions with fun delicate climbing. The Optimator and Popsicle continuing to grow and offer great steep pillar climbing right of the floor.

Yesterday, a few of us took some laps in the lead-only area. We started with Abridgement WI4/5, it really the only route seeing much activity and is a good introduction to the lead-area. There were 2 or 3 parties plugging their way up it after us. The rest of the pillars require a bit more patience and gardening to climb. We then climbed the pillar between Abridgement and Whitt's World. It was a bit delicate and cauliflowered in places, but offered fun WI 5 climbing. We then headed down and plowed up Le Pissoir. It had a nice 2 day stubble, and Mike was raining down some fine margarita makings. All-in-all a fine afternoon.

Photos: 1. Abridgement 2-4. Le Pissoir

Ice Park Conditions

Hey all. The ice in South Park is coming back around with the cold temps and the water flowing once again. The Deep South area in particular is forming up very nicely.

Also be sure and check out the Shithouse Wall and the Gazebo Wall. The ice is as big and blue as I have ever seen it in these areas and nary a pick mark to be found.

Get out and enjoy it while the crowds are small this week.

Cheers and be safe out there.

Best ice in the Ice Park

Care to know where the best ice conditions are in the Ouray Ice Park?

Believe it or not the $#%&House and Gazebo Wall are in incredible shape with fat blue, sticker ice. The south facing terrain is often a little sun-leached and thin. Not this season. This has just been one of those years in the San Juans where south facing routes are not only holding on but thriving in these weather conditions.

Catch the $#%^House wall climbs while they are in this type of condition. It is a highly underutilized section of the Park and about a 5 minute walk from the Victorian Inn.

Respectfully submitted,

Grey Squirrel