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Wheeler Peak Condition?

PostPosted: Sun May 22, 2011 2:17 pm
by sm0421
Hi! Would love to know the current snow condition at Wheeler Peak in Taos... Planned to hike on May 26th, not sure if I should bring snowshoes (don't want to unless necessary)...anyone knows?

Thanks!
Alex

Re: Wheeler Peak Condition?

PostPosted: Sun May 22, 2011 10:03 pm
by jfrishmanIII
http://www.14ers.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=29005&p=355043#p355043

Well just an update on Wheeler.. I went down to Taos with a buddy and hiked this week, and the mountain has received a lot more snow in the past week since mennoguy's TR.

Snowshoes were definitely a must throughout the Bull of the Woods trail... We were walking through deep, fresh powder. The only snow-packed portion was at the very bottom of the trail. Luckily, we both brought snowshoes so it all worked out. It was definitely a good time, but we did not make it to the top.


I hiked Deception Peak down by Santa Fe a week ago, and there was more snow left in the trees than I expected. We've had a storm since then, and the Taos area definitely has more than we do. I'd definitely plan on at least bringing the snowshoes to the trailhead.

Re: Wheeler Peak Condition?

PostPosted: Sun May 22, 2011 11:13 pm
by sm0421
Thank you so much Lionel and jfrishman!!!

Re: Wheeler Peak Condition?

PostPosted: Mon May 23, 2011 2:24 am
by jeffh25
onthesnow.com has some webcams from Taos. That might help you make a better educated guess.

Re: Wheeler Peak Condition?

PostPosted: Thu May 26, 2011 2:33 am
by Dan Shorb
Went up to Williams Lake area on Sunday. The ridge itself will be somewhat bare. Descending and Ascending to the ridge may justify snowshoes, I'd bring them. If you brought snowshoes, I'd guess you could probably stash them once on the ridge, that way you'd have them for the afternoon slush on the way down.

Here's a pic from this Sunday (5/22) from Sin Nombre (SW):
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Original is here: http://www.summitpost.org/wheeler-peak-and-old-mike/717810/c-434978

Re: Wheeler Peak Condition?

PostPosted: Thu May 26, 2011 3:24 pm
by sm0421
Thanks ds! I think I'll probably rely on microspikes, my snowshoes are very heavy...

What's in your signature? Chinese ---"I don't know Jack"??

Re: Wheeler Peak Condition?

PostPosted: Thu May 26, 2011 10:48 pm
by Dan Shorb
sm0421 wrote:Thanks ds! What's in your signature? Chinese ---"I don't know Jack"??


Indeed sir. Have Fun.

Re: Wheeler Peak Condition?

PostPosted: Sun May 29, 2011 2:03 am
by sm0421
did it in 6 hours, used microspikes, 50+mph wind on the top, fantastic weather, will write up a report.

We climbed the headwall, missed the trail, a lot of postholes, a brutal climb.

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I love Taos :)