SherpaTom
Member
Date of Hike: Dec. 1, 2012
Trail Conditions: Trail conditions were excellent, starting out with 3-4" of snow in the parking lot to about 6' at summit. We heard that there were deep drifts between N & S Twin, but this was only from an account of a hiker at the parking lot. We averted two river crossings and the last was easy enough using the large tree that has fallen nicely across the river. We actually butt hopped across on the way up but found that the ice was solid enough to just hold onto the tree on the way back. This will change with warmer weather expected. No major blow downs. saw a fair amount of hikers, a group doing the Gale River/N.Twin loop, a couple of guys heading to Guyot as well as some others.
Special Equipment Used: Microspikes were needed to navigate safely although we stubbornly did not put them on until we slipped one too many times. Trekking poles were very helpful for support on ice, as well as balance. Gaiters were used but not required.
Comments: It was nice to get a pre-winter hike in with winter conditions. Personally I got to try out my Vasque Snow Junkie boots and was quite happy. Only complaint but its was the ad says (feet got a little cold when standing around near summit for 20-30mins). Also got to try my Hooded Marmot down (850 fill) which I was able to pick up at SierraTP for a mear $100. Again very happy with warmth & comfort. Thanks Bob, Ed & Dan for another great day in the Whites.
Cant wait for winter - 19 more days.
SherpaTom
Trail Conditions: Trail conditions were excellent, starting out with 3-4" of snow in the parking lot to about 6' at summit. We heard that there were deep drifts between N & S Twin, but this was only from an account of a hiker at the parking lot. We averted two river crossings and the last was easy enough using the large tree that has fallen nicely across the river. We actually butt hopped across on the way up but found that the ice was solid enough to just hold onto the tree on the way back. This will change with warmer weather expected. No major blow downs. saw a fair amount of hikers, a group doing the Gale River/N.Twin loop, a couple of guys heading to Guyot as well as some others.
Special Equipment Used: Microspikes were needed to navigate safely although we stubbornly did not put them on until we slipped one too many times. Trekking poles were very helpful for support on ice, as well as balance. Gaiters were used but not required.
Comments: It was nice to get a pre-winter hike in with winter conditions. Personally I got to try out my Vasque Snow Junkie boots and was quite happy. Only complaint but its was the ad says (feet got a little cold when standing around near summit for 20-30mins). Also got to try my Hooded Marmot down (850 fill) which I was able to pick up at SierraTP for a mear $100. Again very happy with warmth & comfort. Thanks Bob, Ed & Dan for another great day in the Whites.
Cant wait for winter - 19 more days.
SherpaTom
