[pct-l] Crossing river and ice axe suggestions

[ned at mountaineducation.org]

A "pick axe," or ice axe is priceless as a self-arrest tool in trained 
hands. Self-arrest is the skill of using an ice axe to stop an uncontrolled 
slide down a steep snow slope before you hit the rocks at the bottom. A good 
amount of the PCT through the Sierra is on pretty steep slopes, either on 
traversing approaches or climbing and descending the passes, and you do not 
want to slip and fall as the consequences can be dire. Learn how to 
snow-hike, navigate over snow, and self-arrest before you find yourself out 
there! The Black Diamond "whippet" self-arrest pole is, also, good for those 
sudden slip-and-falls as it is always in your hand and not strapped to the 
back of your pack.

An ice axe is also priceless as an uphill anchor or self-belay point while 
snow-hiking steep traverses. The axe is plunged into the snow below the 
uphill hand giving you at least two points of contact while you kick steps 
moving forward. The axe is also good as a balance aid while glissading 
rapidly down from the pass.

"Snow shoe picks" we do not know unless you mean "crampons" or microspikes. 
Ice climbers and mountaineers use 10 or 12-point crampons for traction on 
slippery surfaces and as climbing aides. Backpackers who anticipate walking 
over hard, crusty, morning snow in the spring will find the 10-point best as 
the other two points that project forward are absent, thereby minimizing the 
danger of cutting your feet as they swing past each other. However, the 
Kahtoola KTS is designed for the snow-hiker in mind and has safe front 
points that bend down to help with forward movement.

These are some of the skills we teach from January into July. Snow can make 
for a beautiful playground, but it comes with its own set of rules!


"Just remember, Be Careful out there!"

Ned Tibbits, Director
Mountain Education
South Lake Tahoe, Ca. 96150
    P: 888-996-8333
    F: 530-541-1456
    C: 530-721-1551
    http://www.mountaineducation.org
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "patrick white " <patsy805 at hotmail.com>
To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2011 12:51 PM
Subject: [pct-l] Crossing river suggestions


> Did most people find a pick axe and snow shoe picks necessary, 
> understanding of course that every season is different. And the river 
> crossing to avoid soggy foot any suggestions
> Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
>
> _______________________________________________
> Pct-L mailing list
> Pct-L at backcountry.net
> To unsubcribe, or change options visit:
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>
> List Archives:
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/
> All content is copyrighted by the respective authors.
> Reproduction is is prohibited without express permission.