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LivingLife
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Original Post (Thread Starter)
Snow Conditions on Switchbacks June 16 #58422 03/28/2021 4:24 PM
by LivingLife
LivingLife
Should I be prepared to climb the chute or are the switchbacks likely to be hikable with crampons and axe by June 16th?

I know that the snow pack is at about 60% this year. I have done winter climbs above 14k in Colorado with crampons so I am comfortable hiking in winter conditions but need to mentally prepare for the chute if it is the route I will likely have to take.
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Re: Snow Conditions on Switchbacks June 16 #58425 Mar 29th a 05:09 AM
by Steve C
Steve C
Here's the "When will they open" annual stats.

2018 had a 50% snow level for April 1, and I put that most people were using the switchbacks by June 16. So your mid-June ascent may be your choice -- you could go either way.

Anybody know where I can find the April 1 snow level stats for those prior years? I'd like to fill in the blanks on that info.
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Re: Snow Conditions on Switchbacks June 16 #58423 Mar 28th a 11:47 PM
by bobpickering
bobpickering
If you are comfortable with crampons and ice axe, you will probably prefer the "chute" to the switchbacks. It’s steeper, but it’s shorter and more direct. I think SteveC keeps track of when the switchbacks “open” each year, but I’ll guess that your chances are around 50% this year.
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