Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Pikes Peak impossibly snowy


Yes, it's May, and Pikes Peak just gets snowier and snowier. Check out the Pikes Peak cam.
The Gazette had a story today about a hiker who went out with his dog on the Elk Park trail. Got stuck in snow up to his waist, set up a tent in a blizzard, then had the tent collapse under the wet spring snow. He was rescued Monday. Both man and dog are fine.
But, with cool, wet weather, and more snow piling up all the time, this is not the time to go above about 10,500 feet unless you have skis, an ice axe, or both.
This may be the wettest spring I remember, although, I can recall a late spring in 94' where the snowbanks on Almagre were still over my 10th grade head in June. But it's been a while since we've had snow like that.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

We're over 12 feet for the snow season in Woodland Park. Sure seems like a lot, especially to anyone who's live here less than 10 years. Long time locals tell me "this is the way it used to be" before drought really kicked in in the mid 90s.

The only long-term snow average I've ever found recorded for Woodland Park 10 feet. Don't know if that's accurate or not, but if it is that still would put us well above average. Very nice!

Dena Rosenberry said...

I stopped and took a photo before I walked into the building this morning. A little reminder of why I love living here - feeling the warmth of the sun and looking up at a snowy peak.
Just one of those moments you're glad to be alive!

Anonymous said...

Dena, it is amazing how many people will miss this mornings view of the Peak. After 36 years here I never fail to look at it every day while most people never notice it.

The wet Spring snow really blankets it well.