Never been to the Wind Rivers before and am planning on doing Gannett sometime this summer. With the odd winter we've been having I'm guessing the snow levels are lower than average? Any advice on the best time for a summit?

Thanks

This is a rough guess only based on being up there three times in the past: with the lower snow, the best window for a non-slog approach with still max good snow on the upper mountain would probably be late June or early July. I'm sure someone local can tell you better, but since you haven't gotten a response, i figured i'd try my best.

If you really like climbing on loose rock, you'd be good with going much later than this recommendation.

markv wrote:This is a rough guess only based on being up there three times in the past: with the lower snow, the best window for a non-slog approach with still max good snow on the upper mountain would probably be late June or early July. I'm sure someone local can tell you better, but since you haven't gotten a response, i figured i'd try my best.

If you really like climbing on loose rock, you'd be good with going much later than this recommendation.

I agree with Markv, I have been on the slopes of gannett three times myself, and climbing with june /July snow is the best way to go. I tried gannett in late Aug. one year, and it was a horrible! Ice, wide open shrunds, loose rock. Check with the local outfitters( Pindale). When they can get into Titcomb basin with there mules, it's time to climb!!!
Take a head net, It will be prime SKEETER season.

pyerger wrote: I have been on the slopes of gannett three times myself, and climbing with june /July snow is the best way to go. I tried gannett in late Aug. one year, and it was a horrible!

pyerger, whgen you say horrible how horrible are we talking? We are planning to climb gannett this summer but can only fit it in late august. Were you able to summit?

will98 wrote:

pyerger wrote: I have been on the slopes of gannett three times myself, and climbing with june /July snow is the best way to go. I tried gannett in late Aug. one year, and it was a horrible!

pyerger, whgen you say horrible how horrible are we talking? We are planning to climb gannett this summer but can only fit it in late august. Were you able to summit?

We were not able to summit,that year, and most other parties did not summit either. The shrund by Gooseneck was wide open, and other parties were trying the north chutes without success. Please do not let this post deter you from gannett that time of year. the face of Gannett is different from year to year, and this year may be good. I think if I were going to try again that time of year I would go in from Wiskey basin, because the climb from Titcomb basin over Bonney pass without snow is a lot of work, and not fun at all. Other option would be from Gannetts west side, up Tourist creek. Besides the Minor glacier, this route is basically a dry route (snow free), but involves fourth class rock, with some exposure. All that being said being in the Winds that time of year is Awesome!! No Skeeters, or bugs , can have long stretches of nice weather.

Just an FYI it was a normal snow year in the winds. Mid july- early august is your best window for avoiding the schrund issues. Couple years ago (normal snow year) the guy in front of me punched through the snow bridge (mid august). Was a little scary going after him with no ropes. On the way down I just jumped over it... too sketchy to walk down it! haha