Lamarck Col

[Katharine]

Any current information on the conditions going over Lamarck? Went over about a month ago and it was pretty easy. I've read that late in the season, most of the snow can be gone leaving mostly ice.

[stevet]

Went over Lamarck Col on the 31st. The snow field surrounds the tarn (except along its northeastern-most edge) and extends to within about 15' of the pass.

We crossed it 1st thing in the morning when it was frozen wearing microspikes; a very easy crossing. There is sufficient track in the snow and suncups so microspikes are not absolutely necessary, but with them we were able to zip right up.

[KathyW]

On 9.5.11:



Big huge sun cups to step in; so it was pretty easy to cross.

It sounds like it might have snowed a little this weekend; so I guess there could be a dusting of new snow on top of the old snow until it melts off.

[Katharine]

thanks for the info and picture!

[BigMan]

Anyone have any updates for 2012? Thanks.

[BigMan]

I'm planning on hiking the Col on 8/14, but I don't have much experience in the snow.

Is any snow gear recommended? (ice ax, crampons, microspikes?)

From what I've read, it might be quite icy in late season, and during a low snow season at that.

Thanks.

[stevet]

Mircospikes make an early morning hike up a breeze. But the suncups are deep enough and it is not all that steep so you don't really need any helpers late in the season.

[BigMan]

Thanks!

[ManOfTooManySports]

We went over on Saturday morning (W to E). The snow was firm but no problem. If you get up there when the snow has softened, it should be just fine. Other threads talk about going on rock instead. Yeesh. We had had enough of that nightmarish boulder-hopping to deal with that. The snow was the way to go. It's the only snow on the route.

[Fishstick]

Just went over yesterday, a little icy around noon, but you could still kick in your own steps if you look for the whiter areas and avoid the blue icy spots. We were just in trail runners, no trouble. I would also note that the snow has receded from the lake enough that you can avoid boulder hopping by staying close to the lake shore on either side of the lake. Have a great time