California Ice

Submitted by Jim Lawyer on Fri, 12/17/2004 - 13:56
Climbed California Ice on 12/15/04 in fat fat fat conditions. Approach drainage was completely iced in from about 500' above the valley floor, and the climb itself was huge and dry. Descent was safe from avalanche danger. Times: 2.5 hours from car to base of climb; 2.5 hours for climb; 1 hour descent to base of route; 1 hr 50 min back to car. A good day out!

Anybody been up recently to see how CA ice looks? Curious about whether or not the heat wave has hurt that route and the approach. I'm guessing that the road is in great shape. Any recent observations are greatly appreciated. Thanks! Garrett

Four of us went up on 1-28-05 and found it big, wet, and very fun. With little snow the approach is relatively fast, and a great rolling ice walk / climb. We climbed all the way up to the dry plateau and descended the north facing slope / couloir to the south of the sylvan lake trail.

We climbed California ice on 1/29 we took the route to the plateau and down the Sylvan lake trail. The approach on ice started about 500 ft. above the trail. the ice was fat and plastic, very enjoyable. have fun!!!

Ironic timing. Rusty and I, along with two others made up our group of 4. And if my calendar is correct we climbed it on friday the 28th, but I could be looking at a chinese calendar for all I know. Either Or, the beta stands the same.

Excellent, thanks for the beta! Sounds like it's still fat, and that's great news about the approach. Looking forward to it!

The first pitch was WIDE. [img]http://www.beartoothclimbing.net/CalIcfirstpitch12405.JPG[/img] Joel & Daniel thought there was enough ice to go around. [img]http://www.beartoothclimbing.net/CalIcemainflow12405.JPG[/img] Russ' grinnin cuz we're nearing the Beartooth Plateau. [img]http://www.beartoothclimbing.net/CalIcerustyuppersection12405.JPG[/img] An incredibly windless day atop the plateau. [img]http://www.beartoothclimbing.net/CalIcearijoelplateau12405.JPG[/img] Those two are like school kids in the playground bitching over Spiderman and the Hulk.

Wondering if anyone knows how the access to CA Ice is after the recent snowfall? any information would be helpful, as it is friday morning and we are thinking about leaving tonight. thanks ben nobel

I was just in Red Lodge today and saw only 12-18" had fallen. The road up to the Lake Fork trailhead easy, packed snow driving. East Rosebud is not plowed, but it is regularly driven upon. More than likely it will be packed down by the Presidents' weekend crowd all the way to the lake. It may be slick, so just go as fast as what you travel in can handle.
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