Opinion: Crampons Needed This Weekend

[RollingRock]

I am doing a Carter Range Traverse starting up the Imp Trail and traversing Carter-Moriah Trail down to Carter Notch Hut. I'm spending Saturday night at the Hut. Based on recent trip reports and weather forecast, I'm thinking crampons are essential - especially going down to the Hut on the Carter-Moriah Trail. Am I being over-cautious or would you agree! Don't want to carry any additional weight if not needed

 

[rocket21]

Bring 'em if you're intending to drop into or climb out of the Notch. When I did Wildcat A via the notch earlier this week, Microspikes would have been outmatched and snowshoes would have been a major hindrance due to postholes, narrow footbed, etc.

 

[Chip]

I would defiantely bring them. The north side of North Carter is a steep scramble at times, out of the sunlight and probably full of ice and packed snow. I'd be surprised if you didin't want to wear them heading down Carter Dome, also.

 

[Barkingcat]

Bring the crampons.

A couple of days ago right below North Lafayette, we had to abort the summit because of the ice -- one of us had Microspikes and the other had crampons and the Microspikes just weren't cutting it.

Also, about this time last year the trail up to Carter Dome from the notch was covered in sheets of ice in some spots near the pulpit after a series of freeze-thaw cycles.

Our party was crampon-less going up the trail and had to bushwhack around some sections. Not fun.

Bring the crampons (did I say that already?).

 

[wardsgirl]

Crampons! Crampons! Crampons!

 

[Chip]

Crampons! Crampons! Crampons!

Well, you probably won't need 3 pair, but a spare in case of a blow-out is not a bad idea.

I'd guess you MIGHT want crampons in some sections there into June.

 

[RollingRock]

Thanks for all the feedback! I'll be bringing them...

 

[andrewb]

I'll carry my crampons and miros until June 1 if not later. My snowshoes will probably remain compulsory equipment into May but I think the deep snow will go fast... Granted I like to be over-prepared, but thats just me

 

[Mike P.]

If going out over Wildcats, you will want them heading up Wildcat A across the slide.