Gimpilator infinity/21M
Joined: 12 Oct 2006 Posts: 1684 | TRs | Pics Location: Edmonds, WA |
I tagged 6 peaks today with selection based on NOAA snow depth predictions. I figured if I aimed low, I could avoid an unconsolidated mess. NOAA spurred me on.
In a nutshell, there was no snow on any of them except Rock Peak in the southern Olympics, which had a whopping 3 to 4+ feet. The snow started at 2400 feet and was a foot deep right away. Not planning for snow, I didn't bring snowshoes, gaiters, ax, glacier goggles, or even baskets for my poles. Foolish. I sure could have used that gear.
Instead of the standard 1 hour trip, it took me 4 hours and I was wallowing. There's a lot of crappy tree wells and sketchy moats too. I turned back twice and only found a feasible route on the third try. Surprised to see that much snow today.
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