Snow Conditions above 3K in Waterville Valley region??

[Jazzbo]

I'm wondering what snow conditions are like above 2800' in Waterville Valley region. I'm leading an AMC hike this Saturday (5/17) to Sandwich Mt via Sandwich Mt and Smarts Brook Trails and at a loss as to what gear to have people bring. Work responsibilities have prevented me from hiking in Whites for close to a month so I've lost touch with current conditions at upper elevations. I've read some reports where snowshoes seem mandatory and others where they're not really needed. My route includes 2.5+ miles above 3000'. That's too long a distance to be postholing. I'd prefer to err on conservative side to ensure we make it to our objective.

Thanks in advance!

Jazzbo

 

[rocket21]

I haven't been on the Sandwich Dome since fall, but I can provide some insight from mountains in that general area.

Mt. Whiteface had plenty of snow (other than in direct sunlight) above 3,000' a week ago - about 4' deep near 4,000'

Mt. Shaw to the southeast (2,990) had only a few small isolated patches Saturday.

Mt. Cardigan to the west had only a few small isolated patches starting around 2,700'

 

[RoySwkr]

See this report:
http://vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?t=22340

You'll be a week later but on the N side so I'd expect similar, i.e. miserable

 

[TDawg]

I checked out Fletcher's Cascades last Friday. After hangin' at the falls for a bit I crossed Drakes Brook and bushwhacked over to Drakes Brook Trail to maybe go up to Jennings Peak. I started to encounter steady snow at about 2300 feet on DBT. Not having gaiters or traction on me, and not wanting to posthole all the way, I said, "Jennings Peak? 'F' it."

DBT is in a pretty shady, north facing ravine so that could be why so low an elevation. You can make your own assumptions as to how Smarts Brook's westerly aspect might raise the elevation where the snow is.

Welch-Dickey is completely snow-less on the other hand.

 

[Jazzbo]

Thanks TDawg and all for your opinions. I think we'll forego Noon Peak and it's charms and not ascend via Sandwich Mt Trail with it's north slope. Sandwich Mt Trail up to Noon Peak is pretty steep and with it's north slope could have some bad ice and monorail conditions. Whereas Smarts Brook Trail with nice southerly facing valley should be nice right up to the ridge. We can put up with postholing to one or both peaks from the col. Out and back looks like best solution.

 

[MadRiver]

Welsh/Dickey is pretty much snow free. I'm hiking it on Wednesday and can give you an accurate report then.

 

[Kurchian]

I climbed Welch & Dickey a week ago and there was no snow on the trail. I realize these peaks are under 3000' but this may be helpful.

 

[Silverfox]

We had a group..Over the Hill Hikers..which ascended Jennings Peak via Sandwich Mt trail up and Drakes Brook down on tuesday.. They reported snow above 2500 feet on Sandwich Mt trail but succeeded without snowshoes..Drakes Brook trail had deep snow in the ravine area...generally the brook crossings were high but passable...hope that helps...

 

[Jazzbo]

Silverfox ... Great report .... some questions though...

Thanks Silverfox ... you rock!

1. Roughly how deep do you think the snow is up on ridge around Jennings?
2. Was there a monorail?
3. Did you need any traction or would traction have been helpful .... like microspikes or stabilicers?
4. There's a very steep 1/4 mile below Noon Peak .... was it at all icy or tricky?