January Catskill Ice Conditions
Solids and Liquids
1.23.17
By Dustin Portzline
It's safe to say that the first month of 2017 has been a bit of a bummer for winter sport enthusiasts in the Shawangunk and Catskill Mountains. While ice climbers have been able to get out and experience enjoyable days, it has only been at a handful of the most reliable areas. Stony Clove, the Dark Side of Platte Clove, and the Black Chasm have had plenty of action this year. Still, it is less-than-inspiring to dull your crampons skidding around on bare bluestone and leaf litter. Persistent barely-freezing temps stalled ice formation, and a warm-up this past weekend did not provide freezing temperatures for almost four days; what ice remains is certainly suspect. I've been asked a few times if mixed climbing is a suitable alternative given the present conditions - the feeling of most experienced climbers is to wait for suitable cold to weld (freeze) loose rock and turf in place, making picks and protection more secure. There's no glory in whipping off some Catskills choss pile when temps are in the 40s - go training in the Trapps wearing mountain boots instead.
A weather system coming tonight will bring precipitation and near-freezing temps - let's hope the 5-10" of snow forecasted doesn't fall in inches of rain. While adding water to the seeps and flows is helpful, if a proliferation of ice is to save the season, the mountains will need much colder temperatures than we've seen. Climbers planning on attending the 19th annual Catskill Ice Festival (less than a week away) are encouraged to be cautious, keep an eye on the weather, and make informed decisions. Patience is a virtue!
By Dustin Portzline
It's safe to say that the first month of 2017 has been a bit of a bummer for winter sport enthusiasts in the Shawangunk and Catskill Mountains. While ice climbers have been able to get out and experience enjoyable days, it has only been at a handful of the most reliable areas. Stony Clove, the Dark Side of Platte Clove, and the Black Chasm have had plenty of action this year. Still, it is less-than-inspiring to dull your crampons skidding around on bare bluestone and leaf litter. Persistent barely-freezing temps stalled ice formation, and a warm-up this past weekend did not provide freezing temperatures for almost four days; what ice remains is certainly suspect. I've been asked a few times if mixed climbing is a suitable alternative given the present conditions - the feeling of most experienced climbers is to wait for suitable cold to weld (freeze) loose rock and turf in place, making picks and protection more secure. There's no glory in whipping off some Catskills choss pile when temps are in the 40s - go training in the Trapps wearing mountain boots instead.
A weather system coming tonight will bring precipitation and near-freezing temps - let's hope the 5-10" of snow forecasted doesn't fall in inches of rain. While adding water to the seeps and flows is helpful, if a proliferation of ice is to save the season, the mountains will need much colder temperatures than we've seen. Climbers planning on attending the 19th annual Catskill Ice Festival (less than a week away) are encouraged to be cautious, keep an eye on the weather, and make informed decisions. Patience is a virtue!
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