U
Unregistered
Guest
Hiked today Nov 29, 2008
The trail conditions were pretty standard for the Whites this time of year. Bare trail to dusting down low leading up to 2'+ higher up. The only difference with this route is that it is not very popular and was not packed at all. The river crossings were not bad but poles were a must. There were no solid bridges yet but the rocks were exposed. It was very slow going from about 2500' until I turned around at 4100'. The snow between 2500' and 3000' was a light crust with powder beneath. After 3000' it got harder but was still post hole city without snow shoes. To make it more difficult the snow drifted at an angle sloping down the mountain. I was fighting my snow shoes the entire time so I would not slide. It took me approx 5 hours to hike the 4.2 miles just past The Perch. I wanted to make it out before dark so I turned around.
The special equipment I used was mostly snowshoes and poles. Unfortunately my Atlas shoes do not have great crampons and it was very difficult getting traction on the steeper sections and the severely angled sections. I tried switching to crampons but ended up thigh deep in snow. I think MSR shoes would have been the best option. Poles w/ snow baskets were a must. Gaiters helped keep the snow out when post holing.
Aside from the trail conditions the weather was not bad. It was lightly spitting snow most of the day and then it started clearing after noon time. I even saw blue sky when I was on my way down. I think I will attempt this again after the Holidays.
Jim Rambo
The trail conditions were pretty standard for the Whites this time of year. Bare trail to dusting down low leading up to 2'+ higher up. The only difference with this route is that it is not very popular and was not packed at all. The river crossings were not bad but poles were a must. There were no solid bridges yet but the rocks were exposed. It was very slow going from about 2500' until I turned around at 4100'. The snow between 2500' and 3000' was a light crust with powder beneath. After 3000' it got harder but was still post hole city without snow shoes. To make it more difficult the snow drifted at an angle sloping down the mountain. I was fighting my snow shoes the entire time so I would not slide. It took me approx 5 hours to hike the 4.2 miles just past The Perch. I wanted to make it out before dark so I turned around.
The special equipment I used was mostly snowshoes and poles. Unfortunately my Atlas shoes do not have great crampons and it was very difficult getting traction on the steeper sections and the severely angled sections. I tried switching to crampons but ended up thigh deep in snow. I think MSR shoes would have been the best option. Poles w/ snow baskets were a must. Gaiters helped keep the snow out when post holing.
Aside from the trail conditions the weather was not bad. It was lightly spitting snow most of the day and then it started clearing after noon time. I even saw blue sky when I was on my way down. I think I will attempt this again after the Holidays.
Jim Rambo
