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Approach conditions in Glacier Gorge RMNP???

PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2010 8:37 pm
by Joe_Parvis
Haven't been there for two months. What is trail like? Packed?

Hiking up to camp in Gorge and fool around scrambling above Black Lake.

Usually I take snowshoes as a precaution, but if there's no need, I'd rather not carry.

Thanks,

PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2010 7:32 pm
by Pivvay
As of a couple weeks ago the trail was well packed. I would guess it's been packed in well again but I haven't been up for sure to say.

Glacier Gorge approach conditions and Longs via Trough

PostPosted: Tue Apr 20, 2010 9:12 pm
by Joe_Parvis
For those interested:
Hiked up Glacier Gorge to just below Black Lake on Friday evening. Heavy packs and snowshoes. Despite snowshoes, still broke through in places because snow soft, especially around Mills Lake area. Temps about 30-32 F. Some pinwheels from previous sunny days at bottom of slopes.

Temps dropped some overnight with some firming of snow. On trail moving above Black Lake at about 530am. Overcast and again about 30F. Ascended Longs via Trough. Trough snow firm enough, especially when following some tracks from a few days ago. On top at 1020am in increasing snow. Snow continued on descent to Black Lake, but later sunny. Beneath about 12K snow became very wet with some crampon balling.

Hike out in rising temps (38F near parking) and more snowshoe postholing, but not too bad.

Lakes were acceptable to cross, but significant melting on top of the ice with slush and water in areas. Some areas near in and outflow were clear of ice. If crossing lakes be careful and on lookout.