Baxter in Winter question

[Tim Seaver]

I've done the trip many times and can tell you that if everything aligns nicely, those statements can be true. However, it is much, much more likely that conditions, weather, time, group dynamics, etc. will NOT align that nicely.

Here is where the regulations can actually make the mountain more dangerous, because you can't just pick a good weather day and go on the spur of the moment. Mountains don't much care for humans and their meaningless "schedules".

 

[spencer]

ok, I'll byte! ( )

What's the hard half ?

You are only half-way when you reach the summit.

The hard half is getting down and out when you are wicked tired and you are running out of light, water and calories...

Have you ever noticed yourself or others getting the "stumbles" late in the day when you are bit low on calories and water? Well now imagine that going down the slide. Then you still have 6 miles to go...

I'm not overstating this to scare people. I'm just trying to even the playing field of the discussion. Every time an issue like this comes up, someone points out that it's not a big deal. Well, it isn't for many but the ones for whom it is a big deal don't pipe up and say, "Holy Cow, it's wicked hard and I got in over my head." Instead we hear only from the braggarts (myself included) who make trips like this routine...

That gives curious, yet modestly experienced prospective baggers the false sense that it's just another long, hard day.

Here is where the regulations can actually make the mountain more dangerous, because you can't just pick a good weather day and go on the spur of the moment. Mountains don't much care for humans and their meaningless "schedules".

This discussion again? Forcing people to plan early to make the climb (i.e. 2 week prior permit process) does make it harder b/c you can't plan on a good day. But it makes it harder, not impossible.

However, people who make the planning commitment, drive to Millinocket from far away, see unsafe conditions and make the climb anyway are just plain reckless. I think this is the scenario Tim is alluding to - people figure they went all that way and might as well have a go at it.

You can pick a good weather day and go. I do it every time. Admittedly I live within easy striking distance. However, since I'm usually taking a bunch of other people with me who don't have that luxury I request a permit for multiple climbing days, then make a prudent decision based on weather,keeping very good communications with the Park about my decisions. One year, I canceled three weekends in a row b/c we didn't have any safe weather conditions. The mountain waited until the next year for those wishing to bag it...

Here are a few pics from one trip last year that show just how variable the conditions can be. Notice both the terrain and weather.

 

[Tim Seaver]

This discussion again? Forcing people to plan early to make the climb (i.e. 2 week prior permit process) does make it harder b/c you can't plan on a good day. But it makes it harder, not impossible.

It will likely be "a discussion" for as long as Baxter retains it's control-heavy regulations. I don't have an issue with regulating the numbers of people that are allowed in the park, that is all fine and good - it's the babysitting about what you can and can't do while you are there that annoy me, and plenty of others. Paul Petzold had a great rant on Baxter ( which unfortunately, I can't find). And then there is this classic, Marc Chauvin, being told somewhat gleefully by a ranger that he missed the "cut-off time" by 15 minutes. Some people just LOVE controlling others, and wear their "Authority" patch with a bit TOO much pride.

So yeah, that discussion again - it's an ongoing one, and has been for some time

 

[DougPaul]

Here is where the regulations can actually make the mountain more dangerous, because you can't just pick a good weather day and go on the spur of the moment. Mountains don't much care for humans and their meaningless "schedules".

My experience agrees with the above.

A number of years ago, a group (including me) went on a winter trip to Baxter. We were camped at Abol campground and had 3 consecutive days available for hiking. The weather was good on the first day and we hiked Katahdin and Hamlin via Abol Slide. (We found new snowmobile tracks in the campground when we got down.) Second day was a snow storm and we stayed low. Third day was again good and we did the Knife Edge and back.

When we checked out at the ranger station on our way out, the rangers complained that we hadn't waited the first day for them to check us out. (We had checked in at the ranger station on the way in--they had plenty of opportunity check us out before hand.)

So we are supposed to sit around wasting good weather days while they play their games? No thank you!

And yes, they also wanted us to carry a wood axe...

Doug

 

[ALGonquin Bob]

Maybe I'll just do Mt. Jo in July....
There were some references here to the Whites, I think. Although I have many Winter summits in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks, I am not at all familiar with most names or references to anything in the Whites. I know the altitude of Baxter is a few feet less than Mt. Marcy, but Baxter is steeper and more extreme. I've read most of the Winter info on the Baxter website, and will consider all of the good info offered up here. Still considering late January.

 

[ALGonquin Bob]

I'm not looking to just bag a peak. I'm looking for an exciting winter climb up a big mountain in Maine. Just driving all the way to Maine is a big deal - maybe 16 hours in good weather - and many opportunities for things to go wrong and for the trip to be canceled. Talk to me about avalanche beacons; they're very expensive. Those of you who have done Katahdin in Winter -did you wear beacons? It's a prohibitively expensive item for a 1-time use, as I'll never need one in New York State (and I usually hike alone), and even the Whites are too far to go more than once a year, if that (12 hours or so to Pinkham). Can av beacons be rented? Am I crazy to consider a January trip there? Inquiring minds....