bryan
New member
date: 12/6/12
trails: valley way, gulfside trail, airline, osgood trail
conditions: valley way is a mixed bag. mostly clear down low with a dusting of snow in the woods. a heavier dusting after the randolph split then patchy ice beginning where the trail turns right and starts climbing. the middle section of the trail has a mix of running water and ice along with the light coat of snow. a few flows of note. more snow covering the trail above the tentsite spur with up to a couple inches by treeline and little ice of note. a mix of powder snow and rime above treeline with some small drifts. footing to adams was particularly picky with many hidden holes, etc. much of the same to madison with a couple crustier spots. small water crossings on the valley way were not a problem, but watch out for ice.
equipment: used microspikes from upper valley way to the summits and much of the way back down. full winter gear, minus showshoes, for above treeline. carried crampons (and recommend doing so above treeline), but did not even think about using them today.
comments: a stellar day above treeline. based on the forecast i started a bit later than i normally would for this hike to let winds come down up high and although cold and breezy, especially on adams, conditions were generally great. much like a good day in january, but with a lot less snow....great to be out.
bryan
[email protected]
trails: valley way, gulfside trail, airline, osgood trail
conditions: valley way is a mixed bag. mostly clear down low with a dusting of snow in the woods. a heavier dusting after the randolph split then patchy ice beginning where the trail turns right and starts climbing. the middle section of the trail has a mix of running water and ice along with the light coat of snow. a few flows of note. more snow covering the trail above the tentsite spur with up to a couple inches by treeline and little ice of note. a mix of powder snow and rime above treeline with some small drifts. footing to adams was particularly picky with many hidden holes, etc. much of the same to madison with a couple crustier spots. small water crossings on the valley way were not a problem, but watch out for ice.
equipment: used microspikes from upper valley way to the summits and much of the way back down. full winter gear, minus showshoes, for above treeline. carried crampons (and recommend doing so above treeline), but did not even think about using them today.
comments: a stellar day above treeline. based on the forecast i started a bit later than i normally would for this hike to let winds come down up high and although cold and breezy, especially on adams, conditions were generally great. much like a good day in january, but with a lot less snow....great to be out.
bryan
[email protected]
