Chocorua 10/30

[Ridgewalker]

Yesterday I was hiking in the company of my scout troop. We went up the Champany Falls Trail and did the side loop of the falls. On that day the falls were roaring with water. If one has not been in the said area there are three that you will see Pitcher and one subsidary cascade and the Champany.
As we rose higher we could see the visage of Mount Washington all covered in snow. We all struck in awe of the mountains. Despite not seeing any foliage it was fantastic seeing the higher peaks in the snow.
Indeed as we rose in elevation there was six to eight inches of packable snow and some ice. We had about two or three blowdowns that I recall, and the snow and downed trees were manageble for the average hiker.
As we climbed further to the top we came to the open and exposed face of the mount. We had learned from hikers that we were going to be rewarded with 180 degree views. They were correct, but with some things come a catch. There was 60 mile per hour winds on the face. This did not worry myself but the scout leaders looked ahead and saw that the actual summit encompassed a drop and about a half hour of climbing espically with thirteen scouts and their fathers. So it was decided to turn back I did not mind that.
The downhill descent was not hard except some scouts had their share of slips and falls, fortunatly none were injured. I was armed with my trekking poles and did some skiing, but not much.
We made it back to the trailhead at half past three and we had started at fifty-seven past eight. This I thought was good timing for a group. I think we had a terrifc time.

 

[arghman]

sounds like a nice but formidable challenge.

I was over on Hedgehog yesterday, which had 1-4" of wet snow at 2300-2500' depending on sun exposure, not much below about 2000'. Also gusty at the summit. A very nice view of Chocorua from the ledge viewpoints.

Chocorua looked very tempting given the warm temps & forecast for today/tomorrow, but the snow/ice report you give is perhaps what I'd expect. guess I'll save it for next summer

 

[blueZ]

View from middle sister. (10/29/05)

It was a great hike.

 

[dom15931]

Wow. That pano is top-notch. I have been meaning to get to this mountain, but have yet to do so. I had encountered some winds on the summit of Garfield this day also. I estimated them there to be around 30 with up to 50mph gusts. It sure was a beutiful day for views.

-Dom

 

[Rols]

I was one of the hikers who you met on the trail while you were going up. I mentioned the wind conditions to several of the adult members of your group. I was worried about your group. I am glad you made the decision not to bother with the summit. The wind conditions were really quite severe. I think your scouts had the opportunity to learn a very valuable lesson...nice job.

 

[grouseking]

sounds like a nice but formidable challenge.

I was over on Hedgehog yesterday, which had 1-4" of wet snow at 2300-2500' depending on sun exposure, not much below about 2000'. Also gusty at the summit. A very nice view of Chocorua from the ledge viewpoints.

Chocorua looked very tempting given the warm temps & forecast for today/tomorrow, but the snow/ice report you give is perhaps what I'd expect. guess I'll save it for next summer

I was up there on Saturday and there was up to 12 inches on the summit! Lots of snow melted..its amazing. Wonder if any is left? All I know is were being dive-bombed by falling snow left and right and it felt like it was raining even though the sun was shining. It was great fun!

grouseking