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Trail Conditions: Firmly packed trail, even with the fresh snow; barebootable at least until the split. Trail became very slick when grade picked up on ascent towards E. Osceola—a dangerous area to go into a slide. MSRs handled fine, but others had difficulty finding traction; saw several people turn back before reaching the first summit. Ridge between the peaks was still firmly packed, though snow drifts were quickly filling in parts of the trail. One of the scrambles along the ascent up Mt. Osceola was near impossible without crampons, and left me very close to turning back to play it safe.
Equipment: Snowshoes all day, but crampons highly recommended (it took very little convincing from a friend I met on the trail). Rope was useful on descent to survive loose snow and slick, steep sections. Ice axe could have been useful as well, especially when the mountain decides for you that it's time for a little glissading.
Comments: No views today as expected, and the mild temperatures and shelter from the wind below the ridge-line made for a warm, calm hike. Great company on the trails as always. Distance: 7.6 miles/4hrs 20min.
Equipment: Snowshoes all day, but crampons highly recommended (it took very little convincing from a friend I met on the trail). Rope was useful on descent to survive loose snow and slick, steep sections. Ice axe could have been useful as well, especially when the mountain decides for you that it's time for a little glissading.
Comments: No views today as expected, and the mild temperatures and shelter from the wind below the ridge-line made for a warm, calm hike. Great company on the trails as always. Distance: 7.6 miles/4hrs 20min.
