peterclimb

OK, I was just up to the Bryant/Chair Peak area and the snow conditions are pretty poor. There is quite a bit of heavy snow from the recent storms. There were several areas with debris from fairly large avalanches from yesterday and today. Some of the bowls had not released and were still loaded. The CSAC report lists avalanche conditions as considerable to high: [This message has been edited by peterclimb (edited 05-03-2001).]

"Sports serve society by providing a vivid example of excellence." George F. Will

"There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games" E. Hemingway

Sunday we climbed Pinnacle via the east ridge. It had snowed a few inches Friday/Saturday but it didn't impede the climbing. Surprisingly a lot of the rock was dry. As for the route itself, from the base of the east ridge we scrambled up to a ledge just above some small live trees. The 1st pitch began here and ended atop the first buttress. From the buttress, a short 1/4 pitch took us across a narrow ridge and up another steep section to where the ridge widened. From there it was a short hike to the summit. The two pitches could be combined into one, but rope drag and communication would be factors to consider. The climbing itself was fourth class with maybe a few low fifth class moves here and there. The rock is mostly solid but test holds thoroughly. We rappelled the climbing route. They started plowing the road from the Steven's Canyon turn off, but as of Sunday afternoon they were still well short of Reflection Lakes. Snowshoes or skis will make life easier on the approach. [This message has been edited by peterclimb (edited 03-12-2001).]

Has anyone climbed the east ridge on Pinnacle? I'd appreciate any route information you may provide.

I just learned about this avalanche and successful rescue that occurred Jan 30th. http://www.avsp.org/avalanche.htm This story has a happy ending because the persons involved were practicing safe techniques, had avalanche rescue equipment with them, and were very competent with their use.

Ah, I haven't seen a copy of X-Scrambler in years. Gosh, that brings back heaps of memories- listening to Disraeli Gears on 8-track in my '60 Fury on the way back from a hard day of 3.7 and 3.8's on Cathedral Wall. Rocky Mountain NP was a mecca for tough scramblers in the late 60's to mid 70's. [This message has been edited by peterclimb (edited 02-04-2001).] [This message has been edited by peterclimb (edited 02-04-2001).]

I am looking to buy some vapier barrier liner socks but I was having a difficult time finding them. Anyone know where I can buy some? Also, I have never used them before so if anyone has any experience with them, I would like to hear how they worked for you.