Flume Slide Trail????

[BIGEarl]

Has anybody recently hiked the Flume Slide Trail?

We're thinking about a Flume - Liberty loop this weekend and are curious about the trail conditions.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Earl

 

[bikehikeskifish]

Have you done the Flume Slide in summer? It is considered class 3. I found it slightly harder then the North Tripyramid slide, which I've seen listed as both class 2 and class 3 (this is debated elsewhere on this board.)

When I did it this summer, it was steep and slippery, and it was probably as dry as it gets, which isn't that dry considering the side of Flume is full of springs and/or run off. Perhaps the winter is less difficult as the snow and ice may give you and your crampons a better purchase then the polished and possibly wet granite. I doubt it, however.

I know this doesn't answer your question about current conditions -- but you were at Lafayette last week and are probably in as good a position as anyone to make an educated guess based on that experience.

Complete loop Flume via Flume Slide, Liberty, Liberty Springs:



Flume Zoom (Slide Detail -- 59% grade!)



Tim

 

[Dr. Dasypodidae]

I have not been on the FST this winter, but based on past winter experience on the route, I would mess around with it, given the great number of freeze-thaw cycles and limited snowfall this winter, which could mean lots of verglass ice (i.e., too thin for crampons, too boilplate for Stabilicers). It is definitely a "do-not-fall" route in these conditions.

 

[Dr. Dasypodidae]

whoops, please add a "NOT" before "mess around with it"

 

[NewHampshire]

I found it slightly harder then the North Tripyramid slide,

Hmmm, I was actually surprised at how EASY the FST was. And I did it in early spring when it was wet and there was still a little ice up high. North Tri-p slide, OTOH, was one toughie (though still very much enjoyable.) Then again, it started raining on us half way up North Tri slide.......I guess me and slides have a wierd relationship .

I'm by far an expert. Overall, compared to many others on this site, my winter mountaineering skills are not as extensive. But under the right circumstances I would do the FST in winter no problem.

Brian

 

[BIGEarl]

I hiked this trail early last winter (January 1) and found it to be an enjoyable experience, not at all intimidating but a hike that required focus. I understand most folks feel descending this trail is much more difficult that ascending.

The hike from last January was a loop that went up Liberty Springs, across Franconia Ridge to Flume Slide, and down Flume Slide.

My thoughts now are to reverse the route and hike up Flume Slide Trail....

I have not been on the FST this winter, but based on past winter experience on the route, I would mess around with it, given the great number of freeze-thaw cycles and limited snowfall this winter, which could mean lots of verglass ice (i.e., too thin for crampons, too boilplate for Stabilicers). It is definitely a "do-not-fall" route in these conditions.

Adding the "not" in the appropriate place, you may be right. The snow cover from this time last year was much greater than now.

I'm still interested in learning if there is any first-hand, current experience available for this trail.

Thanks.