Webster/Jackson loop - 02/21/09

[marty]

Trail Conditions: Webster-Jackson trail to branch junction nicely broken out, with 3 inches of fresh powder. Webster Branch unbroken with 1 1/2 to 2 feet of unconsolidated snow to break out, with some areas up to hip deep. Going down and up the Silver Cascades was especially difficult. Webster Cliff Trail (AT) between Webster and Jackson was unbroken without much apparent use for some time, with 2-3 feet of snow to break out and some drifts nearly chest high. There were several challenges staying on the trail as the AT blazes were either covered with snow or were buried under the snow line. Went off trail several times, but we managed to keep on course. There were thankfully some blazes just above the snow line in places. Ascent to Jackson had two steep sections that were difficult to ascend with deep snow over icy rocks. Jackson branch was down packed down nicely.

Special Equipment Required: snowshoes start to finish, GPS handy at one point to reassure us that we were heading in the right direction.

Comments: this was the toughest 7+/- mile hike I have ever done due to all the trail breaking. This was a great adventure hike, due to the trail breaking, the remoteness and the route finding challenges. It was cold and windy, although we were partially sheltered at most time, except on summits. Winds on Webster seemed a bit stronger than Jackson. Great to hike again with with my friend Rols

Marty and Rols