[pct-l] San Jacinto/Mt baden powell snow

[ned at mountaineducation.org]

Last year just after the KO, Mountain Education taught one of our Snow Skills Training Courses up on San Jacinto around the Lookout. There was still about 3 feet of snow. Those who had just come over the Desert Divide related stories of nasty snow and ice down there. Most were not snow-savvy or prepared with the training and tools to deal with the conditions present. Hence, the decision by many to road-walk around the whole mess. 

Not necessary at all with the right training and experience. Why risk a fall and the end of a thru hike through simply hoping that the hazard won't be there when you arrive? Assume that it will and be prepared for the worst.

At this point we still have weather coming in to the central Sierra. I don't know if SoCal is being hit. If it were me on my "hike-of-a-Lifetime," I would carry the necessary tools to get the job done if the conditions presented themselves. From what we are hearing coming out of the Mt. Baldy area, you'll need them there, too. Who wants to road-walk around when you can enjoy the whole trail safely with a little training?

So, yes to the ice axe, for anchors, self-belay, and self-arrest, and "most likely" to the microspikes/KTS crampons!



"Just remember, Be Careful out there!"

Ned Tibbits, Director
Mountain Education
1106A Ski Run Blvd
South Lake Tahoe, Ca. 96150
    P: 888-996-8333
    F: 530-541-1456
    C: 530-721-1551
    http://www.mountaineducation.org
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: James F. Miller 
  To: ned at mountaineducation.org ; peprmintpati88 at yahoo.com ; juniper_canoeman at yahoo.com ; pct-l 
  Sent: Tuesday, April 19, 2011 7:14 PM
  Subject: RE: [pct-l] Section D Mt baden powell snow


  Ya think crampons and ice axe in two weeks? North of Idyllwid
   
  > From: ned at mountaineducation.org
  > To: peprmintpati88 at yahoo.com; juniper_canoeman at yahoo.com; pct-l at backcountry.net
  > Date: Tue, 19 Apr 2011 18:56:22 -0700
  > Subject: Re: [pct-l] Section D Mt baden powell snow
  > 
  > When it seems apparent that you will be running into snow, crusty snow, or 
  > ice here and there, please find out how to travel over it safely! That is 
  > why Mountain Education offers inexpensive skills training in exactly these 
  > abilities for PCT thru hikers. We have been sounding the bell since the 
  > first heavy snows of November!
  > 
  > Nevertheless, we will be at the Kickoff to try to teach what needs to be 
  > learned (as much as can be done on dry ground) so that all of this year's 
  > hopefuls can have a good, safe time experiencing the hike of their 
  > lifetimes!
  > 
  > So, from Paradise Cafe/Idyllwild, carry your ice axe and microspikes/KTS 
  > crampons and know how to use them!
  > 
  > 
  > "Just remember, Be Careful out there!"
  > 
  > Ned Tibbits, Director
  > Mountain Education
  > 1106A Ski Run Blvd
  > South Lake Tahoe, Ca. 96150
  > P: 888-996-8333
  > F: 530-541-1456
  > C: 530-721-1551
  > http://www.mountaineducation.org
  > ----- Original Message ----- 
  > From: "patti kulesz" <peprmintpati88 at yahoo.com>
  > To: "Perry Chamberlain" <juniper_canoeman at yahoo.com>; 
  > <pct-l at backcountry.net>
  > Sent: Tuesday, April 19, 2011 9:16 AM
  > Subject: Re: [pct-l] Section D Mt baden powell snow
  > 
  > 
  > > Yeh Baden Powell is a bitch when snow is involved. I hiked it alot before 
  > > the
  > > closure, as it was practically in my backyard. There have been a few 
  > > occassions
  > > where it was too dangerous to hike b/c of the ice and I had to turn back 
  > > and go
  > > to another trail. Blue Ridge area is pretty bad too. Hopefully it will get
  > > better before the hikers go thru there!
  > >
  > > Sugar Moma
  > >
  > >
  > >
  > >
  > >
  > >
  > > ________________________________
  > > From: Perry Chamberlain <juniper_canoeman at yahoo.com>
  > > To: pct-l at backcountry.net
  > > Sent: Mon, April 18, 2011 9:49:15 PM
  > > Subject: [pct-l] Section D Mt baden powell snow
  > >
  > > Ran into another hiker on section D today, he mentioned the snow hike on 
  > > baden
  > > powell.
  > > He said being from alaska, baden powell was a chore, wading through waist 
  > > deep
  > > wet snow.
  > > Oh joy.
  > > A hiker could get frost bite on their giblets.
  > > :-)
  > > He had a huge pack.
  > > Come on warm weather.........
  > > canoeman
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