Mount Jefferson - tougest in winter?? Slope Steepnes??

[deadpoint]

what are the trail conditions like in winter for the 6 husbands trail? i'm going to assume that are lightly traveled so you'd be breaking trail all the way.

i'm planning a 3/4 night trip in february and we're trying to hammer out our options as there are many.

 

[percious]

Not to hijack this thread, but is anyone interested in a Six husbands Presi Hike for President's Day (Feb 21) weekend this year? I did it once in the summer and it was a trip, would be fun to attempt in the winter. We could throw in Clay and Washington if the weather affords it. Just a thought...

-percious

 

[expat]

deadpoint, you should plan to break trail up Six Husbands. Also Great Gulf trail may not be broken past the first two miles.

When two of us did the trip, we broke about a foot of snow up Six Husbands, and it took us 5 1/2 hours. Another trip, with four hikers, took about 4 hours, but there was less snow.

 

[109hammer]

Six Husbands winter ascent!

I am planning a winter ascent of the Six Husbands Trail the week end of the 22-23 January. Anyone with any thoughts on the trail conditions. I have not had any firm answers on the snow/ice conditions.

 

[percious]

109-
Welcome to the board. I would expect conditions above treeline to be similar to what has been posted about Madison Here:

http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?t=4831

Below treeline, I would expect to have to break trail, as the six husbands trail is not often used, even in the summer. Keep an eye on the trail conditions on the main page.

-percious

 

[109hammer]

Crazy

I have been following this cold front coming this friday night through sunday. Temps going down to -15deg Friday night, and not much warmer Sat & Sun. Am I crazy to attempt a great gulf trip up Six husbands?

http://www.mountwashington.org/vweather/

Any thoughts anyone?

 

[sierra]

109, only you know how experienced you are in winter conditions, only you know if its crazy or not. Winter ascents are made in harsh conditions by people with the right equipment and skills, thats a decision you have to make. If you do go,be safe and good luck.
P.S. If you go and conditions above treeline are extreme, thats a good time to go back down, keep in mind on the six husbands that would be a drag.

 

[jfb]

109hammer,

From my experiences in the Northern Presidentials, I predict that the cold front would bring strong NW winds during the time the front is moving through and for about a day afterwards. After ascending the steep section of the Six Husband's trail, you'll probably be hiking into the wind for quite a while (if you plan on summitting Jefferson). I think the combination of cold and wind will be pretty challenging. If you could wait until the front is through and winds shift from the NW or N to the W or SW, you'll have better luck with that route.

 

[109hammer]

Thanks

I think you are right, I have been through the extreme cold temps before in the Whites. It's not much fun above treeline when the windchill is -60 degrees. I'm bagging it till next weekend!

 

[spencer]

Well, I'm headed to Jefferson and Adams tomorrow and Sunday, so I'll let you know how bad it is. We are using Grey Knob as a base.