E
Elizabeth
Guest
Date: Sunday, January 17, 2010
Trails: Avalon and Willey Range Trails
Conditions: Trails quite well packed out. Streams all bridged with ice/snow (though some of the smaller ice bridges may not last). There is a bit of confusion about a quarter mile before the Willey summit, with a bushwhack detour that was about as well-packed as the real trail. However, the side path did lead back to the main trail. Best to stay to the right of the ridge.
Equipment: I barebooted to the A-Z Trail junction and used crampons from then on. I did not post-hole at all; but another hiker - a big guy in microspikes - did a number of times. Most people were wearing snowshoes, and they will be needed by all now after the new snow added Sunday night. The trees are very snowy and leaning in to the trail so that you cannot avoid brushing against them. Therefore a breatheable shell outerlayer is also recommended to keep from getting all snowy and damp.
Trails: Avalon and Willey Range Trails
Conditions: Trails quite well packed out. Streams all bridged with ice/snow (though some of the smaller ice bridges may not last). There is a bit of confusion about a quarter mile before the Willey summit, with a bushwhack detour that was about as well-packed as the real trail. However, the side path did lead back to the main trail. Best to stay to the right of the ridge.
Equipment: I barebooted to the A-Z Trail junction and used crampons from then on. I did not post-hole at all; but another hiker - a big guy in microspikes - did a number of times. Most people were wearing snowshoes, and they will be needed by all now after the new snow added Sunday night. The trees are very snowy and leaning in to the trail so that you cannot avoid brushing against them. Therefore a breatheable shell outerlayer is also recommended to keep from getting all snowy and damp.
