AMC huts - winter

[giggy]

I asked this question directly to the AMC last month - but they failed to reply to me. The cog thread got me in a rant mood so now is a good time to post this.


Does anyone know why the AMC huts (I know there are a couple - zealand, carter that are self service). I would love to see lakes and greenleaf, madison open as self service in winter. I am sure there is a logical reason why they aren't - anyone know?

I use the RMC cabins in the winter - somewhat regularly. I believe they are a huge success and I for one love using them. I mean if the RMC can do it -why not the AMC?

 

[Dalraida]

Heat

In a nutshell, the main problem would be the lack of firewood resources in the huts above treeline. Second would be probably water availability. The huts that are open have these resources fairly available. Third, weather exposure.

 

[giggy]

yes - that is true - but I am taking about an unheated, get your own water self service type thing - like crag camp. Misuse wouldn't be an issue, I think.

 

[Waumbek]

The conventional reason cited for closing the highest huts--Madison, Lakes, and a few others--used to be that they would be like an "attractive nuisance," making it easier for those unprepared for tough winter conditions to get above treeline, i.e., over their heads. (Since the Cog is on your mind, this argument nixxed the Cog's original plan to haul skiers up and over to Tucks.) I don't know whether the AMC still gives that as the reason. There are also the practical reasons cited earlier concerning access, water, etc. And the huts with flush toilets would have to dig pit latrines. But never say never. There has been "hut creep" over the years, with seasons lengthening in the fall for all the huts (despite the conventional argument), the recent winter opening of Lonesome Lake, and earlier "caretaker" basis openings in the spring at Galehead, Greenleaf, Mizpah. Reading the crystal ball, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Mizpah open for the winter soon if water is available....

 

[David Metsky]

I think the water and waste problems would be pretty much impossible to solve. The high huts close in the fall due to water lines getting frozen and the fact that the Clivus Multrim composting toilets stop working in the cold. If they kept those huts operating, even as self service in winter it would soon become a fairly ugly scene.

Even now, with the huts closed and it being illegal to camp within 1/4 mile there are lots of toilet paper blooms in spring as the snow melts and reveals winters bountiful harvets. With no available water supply, do you really want folks melting that snow for water?

I also think the lure of an open hut up high in winter would attract very large crouds that were unsuited to the conditions. The RMC does manage, but Gray Knob is well situated in the trees.

-dave-

 

[Jasonst]

I think the water and waste problems would be pretty much impossible to solve. If they kept those huts operating, even as self service in winter it would soon become a fairly ugly scene. -dave-

Yeah, I had an interesting conversation with a caretaker last week as to how they handle the nasties in winter (yes, I have a sick curiousity) Not to gross you all out, but he mentioned a power auger etc... The reason they still stink so badly, even well below zero, is due mostly to urine believe it or not... OK, you can now go back to your lunches

 

[afka_bob]

Not to gross you all out, but ...

... this brings to mind the outhouse at Crag and the "stalagmite" that forms when it is cold enough. Ah, the joys of winter in the mountains!

 

[Jasonst]

... this brings to mind the outhouse at Crag and the "stalagmite" that forms when it is cold enough. Ah, the joys of winter in the mountains!

Yeah, he referred to that as "knocking down the cone..."

 

[Panama Jack]

Throws payday candy bar in trash and thinks good thoughts of flowers and.......

 

[KayakDan]

One other consideration re: AMC huts. They are all done on a reservation prepaid basis,whereas Grey Knob and Crag Camp are first come-first served.
Think of the hikers who reserve a spot at Greenleaf or Madison in winter,and the weather gets nasty. They already paid for their spot.
Some will use common sense and write it off.
It's the ones who go anyways,"'cause they already paid" that paint a really scary picture..

 

[Jasonst]

Throws payday candy bar in trash and thinks good thoughts of flowers and.......

sorry dude