Zion- How long to dry out in winter temps?

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xtrmecat

Trad climber

Kalispell, Montanagonia

Topic Author's Original Post - Jan 26, 2009 - 11:10am PT

Help. I was looking at a Zion trip starting midweek, this week and the rain won't stop till Tuesday.1-28-09 How long does it take for the sandstone to get good again with the ambient temps in the 40's? Should I bag it for a later date with better weather? Is there enough wind to dry it quickly or does the temp need to be warmer to dry up the water out of the stone rather than just the surface? I have zero sandstone experience is why I ask this. I definatetly don't want to screw up placements on a route by jumping the gun. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

Bob

Scared Silly

Trad climber

Jan 26, 2009 - 11:56am PT

The storm that came through this past weekend came from the SW with lots of moisture over many days. It is going to take a bit for things to dry out. If the sun comes out the upper reaches will dry out but the lower part of the valley do not get much winter sun so will take longer.

xtrmecat

Trad climber

Kalispell, Montanagonia

Topic Author's Reply - Jan 26, 2009 - 12:01pm PT

Would a week likely be enough or should I postpone? It can be done again later, I just don't want to get on sandstone when it is wet and ruin anything, a placement, a route, a trip, or me. Best guess as to time to dry? One week enough?
Bob

crackfiend

climber

Jan 26, 2009 - 12:16pm PT

I really depends on the route and what aspect it gets. A limited number of cliffs in zion get almost all day sun and would be ok after a day of intenst sun. Some routes with partial or morning sun could take significantly longer. Something with minimal exposure like progidal son could take a week where something like touchstone which gets a lot of sun will be good to go with 2 or 3 days of no rain and sunshine.