Snowshoes or not?

[MadRiver]

I'm heading to Galehead Hut for Saturday and Sunday night and I am trying to decide whether or not to carry snowshoes. I will be hiking in and around 13 falls, so has anyone been in that area as of late?

 

[NH_Mtn_Hiker]

I haven't been in there lately, but I imagine the only place you may wish you had them is the Twinway and the Garfield Ridge Trail.

That other area you were thinking of going this weekend should be snow free...at least the part you're headed to. (That part gets plenty of sun)

 

[Mike P.]

We are bringing them for Saturday, think we need between Moriah & Shelbourne Moriah

 

[4000'er]

I have no idea if there's snow or not, but I love the fact that we even have to consider the possibility.

 

[albee]

I would save the weight of snowshoes and just bring a shovel instead.

(kidding)

But seriously, the snow up high will be pretty soft with the forecasted warm temperatures. You won't be "postholing" per se, but you will be stepping in slushy knee deep snow with a nice 3-6" of pooled or flowing water beneath it on the trails below treeline and above 3000'. Snowshoes will prevent you from sinking all the way down, and they will also allow you to step over all those annoyingly deep and awkwardly spaced footprints left by barebooters in front of you! You'll still be sinking in a good bit and sliding around with the snowshoes on, but it all comes down to personal preference and tolerance for those sort of conditions. Either way, gaiters and waterproof boots will be worth their weight in gold for the next few weeks.

 

[NH_Mtn_Hiker]

This might be of help to you.

 

[Frodo]

I'd bring them since you are planning on not just going to the hut.

Better to have and not need, than to need and not have...