summitseeker
New member
Mt. Whiteface: Blueberry Ledge, Rollins, Blueberry Ledge, Blueberry Cut-Off, out
4-20-13
Trail Conditions: Blueberry Ledge was mostly dry with some sections of snow. At higher elevations the monorails of snow gave way to general snow cover. The scrambles to the summit had some ice and slippery sections but not enough to take us out of our comfort zone. Blueberry Cut-Off was much wetter than the Blueberry Ledge and had areas of ice and algae on rocks for very greasy surfaces.
Special Equipment Required: We bare-booted most of the Blueberry Ledge Trail and were supported by the hard packed center of the trail. We wore microspikes once we got above 2,000 feet and kept them on for a majority of the ascent. H.A. and I did wear snowshoes on the Rollins Trail to reach to the true summit and for part of the descent before the rocky ledges. H.A. and I also brought our poles and I was very glad to have had them. No real need for crampons IMHO.
Comments: Despite this week's previous forecasts it was a great day on the trail. No rain, manageable winds, and some great views of the lakes and distant peaks. We ran into the same nice folks I met on Isolation and a few other small parties. Trails were in good shape.
A big thanks to SteveR and H.A. for another great day on the mountain. Kibo, the Wonder Dog, had fun with the minor water crossings.
Z
4-20-13
Trail Conditions: Blueberry Ledge was mostly dry with some sections of snow. At higher elevations the monorails of snow gave way to general snow cover. The scrambles to the summit had some ice and slippery sections but not enough to take us out of our comfort zone. Blueberry Cut-Off was much wetter than the Blueberry Ledge and had areas of ice and algae on rocks for very greasy surfaces.
Special Equipment Required: We bare-booted most of the Blueberry Ledge Trail and were supported by the hard packed center of the trail. We wore microspikes once we got above 2,000 feet and kept them on for a majority of the ascent. H.A. and I did wear snowshoes on the Rollins Trail to reach to the true summit and for part of the descent before the rocky ledges. H.A. and I also brought our poles and I was very glad to have had them. No real need for crampons IMHO.
Comments: Despite this week's previous forecasts it was a great day on the trail. No rain, manageable winds, and some great views of the lakes and distant peaks. We ran into the same nice folks I met on Isolation and a few other small parties. Trails were in good shape.
A big thanks to SteveR and H.A. for another great day on the mountain. Kibo, the Wonder Dog, had fun with the minor water crossings.
Z
