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Forums · RMNP

RMNP Conditions

Discussion

11 replies
Posted by Brian Jackson on April 26, 2007 at 2:38 PM
Thinking of heading out to RMNP this weekend and just wanted to know if anyone knew how the conditions were.

Is Bear or Sprague Lake frozen over?
Is Alberta Falls flowing or is it still frozen over?
Is Trail Ridge Road closed?

Thanks

Brian
Posted by Derek Sedillo on April 26, 2007 at 2:59 PM
Good question Brian. I was just wondering the same thing.

Another good RMNP resource I have discovered lately is this forum which Erik and others post to frequently:
http://www.rmnpforums.com/forums/index.php?showforum=19

Here is a thread from this morning:
http://www.rmnpforums.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=8077

From Erik's picture it looks like things are really thawing out at lower and medium elevations. As far as Dream Lake and Alberta Falls goes, I think (hope) they will be thawing soon.

I'm definitely looking forward to the falls erupting once again.

Here is one on the TR road:
http://www.rmnpforums.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=8065
Posted by Erik Stensland on April 26, 2007 at 3:31 PM
Thanks for pointing out the other forum Derek. Brian, anything above Sprague Lake is still in winter conditions. There is lots of snow from Bear Lake on up and they don't look like they will be thawing out anytime soon unless the weather really heats up.

Here's the view of Dream Lake a few days ago. Dream Tracks You can also monitor conditions on the news page of my website. I've just caught up and will be trying to keep this up-to-date with the latest photos and information.
Posted by Mike McNeill on April 26, 2007 at 4:56 PM
How about young elk? Too soon for that?

I'm flying out Sunday AM with plans to meet a buddy from my camera club in Utah Monday. We plan to shoot out there for a few days then head back to Estes and RMNP the following weekend. Any info would be greatly appreciated. :biggrin:
Posted by Erik Stensland on April 26, 2007 at 5:16 PM
I'll let someone else answer this. I've seen young elk around recently, but I'm fairly ignorant of wildlife matters.
Posted by Brian Jackson on April 26, 2007 at 5:18 PM
Thanks for the updates.

Brian
Posted by Mike McNeill on April 26, 2007 at 5:19 PM
Well if you've seen young elk recently than I would say it isnt too early!! :biggrin:

Thanks Erik!!
Posted by Dave Gill on April 26, 2007 at 5:28 PM
Colorado elk calves should be born about the beginning of June. As an old sister-in-law of mine was fond of saying, "In Colorado, May snows bring June flowers."
Posted by Erik Stensland on April 26, 2007 at 6:29 PM
I knew if I gave some bad information that someone would pipe up and correct me. :biggrin: Thanks Dave!
Posted by Mike McNeill on April 26, 2007 at 6:59 PM
Erik, just what HAVE you seen then?!!! :biggrin: Doesn't matter, I just can't to get out there. I'm planning on stopping in your gallery Sunday afternoon. No Red Carpet will be necessary!! :biggrin:
Posted by Erik Stensland on April 27, 2007 at 9:45 AM
Mike, they must have been prairie dogs. Sorry!
Posted by Dave Gill on April 28, 2007 at 1:21 PM
A few years ago I was being given a tour of a ranch near McClure Pass when we drove over a small hill and found ourselves sharing the meadow with what must have been nearly 100 cow elk and their newly born calves. One of the little fellows was barely able to stand on his wobbling legs and was quite unhappy that Mamma had moved away from him when we appeared. She was calling to him, but he wasn’t able to walk yet.