Hi folks

We are planning an Idaho and Montana trip (July 15 to mid September). Have been looking at easy rock climbs as well as ice. Can you please describe (in general) the kind of winter these two states had? Low snow year, average, above average? Any comments on general snow conditions compared to other years? Would not want to hit burned out ice couloirs in mid August if we can avoid them. Most likely visiting Sawtooths, Borah, Cowan, Granite and Whitetail Peak (the awesome looking couloir)

Thanks in advance. Alois.

Idaho had something approximating a normal winter. Seemed like a ton of snow after the previous winter. Also, it was somewhat spotty- some areas got tons, others closer to normal.
We've had a warm spring, so heavy snows are disappearing fast.

I'd ask again in early July. Things can change fast.
Also, for Idaho check the local discussion board:
http://www.network54.com/Forum/105717

splattski wrote:Idaho had something approximating a normal winter. Seemed like a ton of snow after the previous winter. Also, it was somewhat spotty- some areas got tons, others closer to normal.
We've had a warm spring, so heavy snows are disappearing fast.

I'd ask again in early July. Things can change fast.
Also, for Idaho check the local discussion board:
http://www.network54.com/Forum/105717

Or just obsessively refresh that site every week to drool at the amazing TR everyone posts after each weekend!

Thanks guys. I will check the sites offered.

I will ask again in early July as you (splattski) suggested.

Visited Sawtooth Range, White Clouds and Lost River Range in the summer of 1973 and again in 1975. In those days, I thought I would surely move to Idaho or Montana, but it never happened. Wonder what the mountains look like now. We will have a wonderful trip, I'm sure. Thanks again. A.
Edit. Spelling, what else?

Montana was similar, with some areas around normal and others low. We've had a ton of rain, so snow is melting fast down low, but it doesn't seem to be moving as quickly up high. The Beartooths are their own state, so it can be drastically different up there. I'd bet dimes to dollars that they are getting snow up high today. That couloir on Whitetail can change quickly though. If that one isn't any good, you could always try the one on Castle further up the West Fork. It faces even more north, is closer to the divide so probably gets more snow and is a more rare summit to gain.

If you want to see some pictures, you can try here- it's Idaho peaks divided by range:
http://www.splattski.com

Splattski, some good pictures and trip reports on your website... Thanks.

b. Thanks for the tip on Castle. Will look it up.

That couloir on castle b. Mentions has a summit post page I made for it. Great route but easier than the whitetail couloir.

If you want a much harder route try the smaller couloir just left of the big ne couloir on castle

Thanks Matt, much appreciated. Will check it out.