Chimney Rock - Standard Route

[spotly]

Anyone been up there yet? Is the west side (Horton Ridge) road clear to the TH? Approach/route conditions? Thanks

[scheissami]

I'm planning to head there this weekend if the weather cooperates. I'll let you know after then...

[spotly]

Our plan too. Best weather is for Saturday but can't get out till sunday (possible thunder storms). If you're out and back in time to post something Saturday, I'd appreciate it. Hoping to play on some snow slopes on the way in.

[scheissami]

Oops! Planning to go Monday--I think the forecast is cooler than Sat/Sun but less likely to storm. If you head out on Sunday post something; if it's a no-go we can change our plans (up for cragging near Spokane if your plans get shut down).

[pu]

I was out in the CDA mountains yesterday and there were significant snow patches at about 5000'. I imagine you will likely have an extra 2-3 miles of hiking each way. Not too bad.

[drater]

Been massive thunderstorms kicking up every afternoon this week (except monday, it just rained all day) about 1-3 pm in the Selkirks.

 

Massive like dime sized hail and 60mph wind gusts.

 

Plan accordingly.

[drater]

There is a thunderhead that is rolling down the purcell trench right now, it looks to cover from Priest Lake to well into the Montana cabinets.

 

Can't wait for the lightning.

[spotly]

Took off at 6 this morning but called it quits when it became obvious the clouds were getting darker up north. Turned out nice in Spokane so now I wish we'd gone anyway - who knows. If ya get up there, lemme know how the road is.

[drater]

You would have gotten so pounded.

 

This report coming from half way up Gold Cup Mountain, maybe 12 miles due south of Chimney Rock?

[scheissami]

Monday was pretty much more of the same...wish the weather window had come in a few days earlier. We hadn't been up by Priest Lake before, so we figured we'd drive up and hike around the trailhead.

 

At least Mak enjoyed himself in the snow...

[spotly]

The road is clear to the west side TH (Horton Ridge)?

[scheissami]

We got to about 1/2 mile away from the TH before our not-so-offroad vehicle started having problems (driving a Prius). I think with an SUV or other 4WD vehicle you'd have no problems. The road was clear until we got within the last mile and started seeing acuumulation of only one inch of snow. The road is in great condition up to the last section, which the Idaho Climbing Guide says is only 0.8 miles; I suppose you could hike it from there.

[spotly]

Sweet! Thanks.