Snow climb of Mt. Audubon

Snow climb of Mt. Audubon, preferably on Crooked couloir (above Blue lake). The overall gain for the trip would be 3170', of that hopefully 1830' on snow. Alternate routes include: the South couloir, Autobahn couloirs; the SE Ridge or Audubahn (in event of less snow); the standard summer route or Blue lake (in the event of weather).
Description: Snow climb of Mt. Audubon, preferably on Crooked couloir (above Blue lake). The overall gain for the trip would be 3170', of that hopefully 1830' on snow. Alternate routes include: the South couloir, Autobahn couloirs; the SE Ridge or Audubahn (in event of less snow); the standard summer route or Blue lake (in the event of weather). I plan to use the CMC Brainard cabin as a staging site for the trip. That is, we will meet up in Boulder, drive to Brainard lakes trailhead, hike 3 miles to Brainard cabin (minimal elevation gain), stay overnight at the cabin, wake early for an alpine start, ascend the couloir to the summit, descend (several aforementioned options possible, mentioned above), return to the cabin for remaining gear, and return to Boulder. I would nominally plan to wake at 3:00 am or 3:30 am, to leave the cabin at 4:00 or 4:30 for the 4.5 mile approach from the cabin. The top of the couloir should offer great morning views of the Front Range area.

Some description of the routes on Mt. Audubon may be found at: https://www.frontrangeskimo.com/audubon

This trip is a good snow refresher, with typical mileage and elevation gain. The snow climb itself is exploratory (I have not visited the couloirs of Mt. Audubon before). The trip is intended for those with previous snow experience – CMC Alpine Climbing School (ACS snow courses) or the former Basic Mountaineering School (BMS) is a pre-requisite. To help manage the trip, I am considering a smaller group size than the maximum number of participants is limited to the 12 overnight spaces at the hut. There is a $20 fee per CMC member to stay Brainard cabin. I have pre-reserved the cabin, so i am requiring for you to arrange payment in order to you sign up for the trip.

Your gear for the trip should at least include climbing helmet, ice ax, crampons, mountaineering boots, and sleeping bag.

ps If you are inquiring to join the trip, please describe: (a) when you took the ACS/BMS course, and (b) snow/ice climbing you have done recently.

• Suitable Activities: Mountaineering
• Climbing Category: Basic Alpine Climb
• Seasons: March, April, May, June
• Weather: View weather forecast
• Avalanche Terrain Rating Simple

• Difficulty: Difficult C
• Length: 15.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 3,170 ft
• High Point: 13,223 ft

• Land Manager: U.S. Forest Service
  Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, Boulder Ranger District (ARNF)
• Parking Permit Required: Other
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12