[pct-l] Snow impasses?

[ned at mountaineducation.org]

I did the PCT back in 1974 and went through the sierra on snow shoes. My 
resupply points were Lake Isabella, Cedar Grove, Tuolumne Meadows, and Echo 
Lake (hwy 50). It was, as Diane said, common in those days to carry a 
"heavy" pack and go 10 or more miles per day over snow (my supplies were for 
18 day intervals).

Unfortunately for me, my snow shoes disintegrated within 100 miles of their 
first use (had to toss them out in Cedar Grove) and I learned, thereafter, 
how to continue on simply using my full leather boots over snow. On 
springtime consolidating snow, it is easy to walk on the surface when it is 
hard in the mornings, hazardous when it becomes slippery and softer as the 
morning wears on toward noon, and down-right exhausting in the afternoons 
"wallowing" through it as you "post-hole" from one step to another.

Mountain Education still conducts skills training trips into the sierra 
during May, June, and July to teach the safety techniques you're concerned 
about. The only place we have ever had to "chop steps" in the snow is on the 
south side of Forester in the chute in May before anyone (pct thru hikers) 
has yet gone over it. Otherwise, even Mather is an easy "kick up" the 
central bowl.

Diane is right, also, in saying that most backpackers just want to walk dry 
trail and not have to deal with the balance and traction uncertainties over 
snow. Granted, I didn't have much choice in 1974 as the snow levels I had to 
deal with lasted to the middle of Washington before I saw much dry trail, 
but I got good at staying safe while walking over snow (especially those 
nasty, steep traverses you often have to go across!). The real safety issue 
comes when hikers believe even short stretches of snow will be "no problem."
Always go slow and be careful with each step on sloped snow, especially with 
flexible shoes. Even slipping and falling into a sun cup can be more than 
memorable.

Also, be aware that following the main "trough" trail through the snow may 
be slippery, too. Just keep in mind that in the mornings after a freezing 
night the surface of the snow will be crusty or slippery until it warms in 
the sunlight. Thereafter you will have some traction if your footwear has 
some lugs that will dig into it. However, pushing off your toes, like on dry 
trail, may not be possible as you may slip. You'll need to get used to 
"flat-foot" placement of each step so you don't slip. For these morning 
starts, we will always consider using the Kahtoola KTS crampons we carry 
when the slopes are slippery. They give us considerable confidence, security 
in balance and foot placement, and relieve any fears of sudden slippage 
underfoot. "Micro spikes" do not work on steep traverses, so if these are 
what you choose to bring, plan on going straight up your passes.

This year, it is safe to assume that May will look like June, June like 
July, and so forth. Snow shoes you will not need.
-----Original Message----- 
From: Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes
Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2012 5:48 PM
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Snow impasses?

I think it is mostly that hikers want to hike, not go on a Himalayan
expedition. The distance between resupply locations gets really very
far in the Sierras, especially if you go early and the Muir Ranch and
VVR aren't open yet or the shuttles aren't running to take you to
Mammoth. It's not like you'll have your yak to carry your gear,
either. Chopping steps all day sounds quite exhausting. Many hikers
are fairly worn out already in the Sierras. To spend a day chopping
steps and making about a mile an hour or less while carrying enough
gear and food for 250 miles would be exhausting and heart-breaking.

Still, people used to hike through the Sierras in May way back in the
70s on their thru-hikes, so it is doable. Check out the trail journal
of the Funk Brothers on trailjournals.com. I believe theirs was 1975.
They had a lot of snow in Southern California and used plastic
snowshoes in the Sierras. Hiking the trail was a lot different back
then.

On May 3, 2012, at 10:00 AM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:
>
> I've read a lot of blogs throughout the past couple years talking
> about weather conditions in the sierras creating a temporary
> impasse (hikers turn back and wait it out or flip flop), but I
> never really get an idea as to what conditions make it an impasse.
> Obviously snow is the culprit, but what about the snow makes things
> impassable? Navigation difficulties? Snow covering the trail? Snow
> depth? Lack of proper gear (ropes, crampons, axes)?  Ice slides?
>
> I'm here admitting my naivety, so be gentle with me. But it seems
> that crossing the sierras, in mid April before the melt, is less a
> risk than, say, trekking through the snowy conditions of Tibet.
> According to those I speak with in my community, it takes crazy
> conditions to cause an impasse on those trails where snow is very
> common. So if there is an ice slide covering the trail, for
> example, couldn't you chop foot holes with an ice ax and if it's
> too icy, then wait till late afternoon to be able to chop through
> the melted ice?
>
> I'd almost prefer to cross the sierras in mid to late April to
> avoid dangerous river crossings and for other reasons. So, does
> anyone have any words of advice regarding early season Sierra
> trekking, and what conditions I should be expecting that will
> possibly cause me to want to turn around?

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