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ilipichicuma
03-10-2013, 08:50 PM
So my friends and I are heading out this weekend and we're wondering if Pandora's Box is a viable choice for the middle of March. I've read up on it and we should be able to tackle the obstacles just fine, but will there be snow in it or anything? Thanks a lot!
Iceaxe
03-10-2013, 09:22 PM
I've done Pandora's Box when there was 6" of snow on top of Meeks Mesa and it was not an issue. This is a route I prefer cool weather.

Tap'n on my Galaxy G3
TommyBoy
03-10-2013, 10:00 PM
There might be a short wade or two also, I've done it twice and I don't remember any water at all the first time, but the second time there was a waist deep pool at the end of a rappel that was rather chilly on a cool october day.
Iceaxe
03-10-2013, 10:14 PM
There is normally one very short waist deep pool.

Tap'n on my Galaxy G3
ratagonia
03-11-2013, 09:28 AM
There might be a short wade or two also, I've done it twice and I don't remember any water at all the first time, but the second time there was a waist deep pool at the end of a rappel that was rather chilly on a cool october day.

I've also done it with a short swim at that spot. Not worth bringing a wetsuit for, but helps to zip the packs and strip for it.

Snowed Friday night here in Mt Carmel about 4" of wet. Burned off by now, but Meeks is up pretty high. Might have snowed over there too, check the almanac for Torrey. I don't think the snow will create problems, other than maybe filling up that pool.

Tom
ilipichicuma
03-13-2013, 02:11 PM
Thanks for the advice! I'm looking forward to this one, it should be sweet!
Iceaxe
03-13-2013, 04:29 PM
With Pandora's, the key to success is to be hiking at first light.
ilipichicuma
03-13-2013, 05:25 PM
I plan to start in the dark. Everyone else may not be that excited about it, but I am!
ratagonia
03-13-2013, 09:18 PM
I plan to start in the dark. Everyone else may not be that excited about it, but I am!

It helps to scout the first 15 minutes of the trail as it climbs to the bench. It takes some tricky turns that are hard to see in the dark.

We usually get to sunrise rock at...



wait for it...




Sunrise. :naughty:

So starting an hour before dawn usually works. That way you can be sure everyone has a headlamp, too.

Tom
ilipichicuma
03-14-2013, 08:32 PM
Haha. Yeah, I read your rave about it, Tom. I'm not sure I'll be able to convince everyone to start quite that early, but I am shooting for an early start.