JoeCedar
01-27-2010, 08:17 PM
I'm sure everyone is wondering what the trail conditions are like in the High Peaks following the heavy rain on Monday (1/25). The rain opened up almost all streams and the Ausable River had some ice jams and high water. Don't expect to find any snow bridges remaining, particularly on the larger streams which may be difficult to cross.
The trail to Cascade/Porter was in relatively good shape with some open streams and channels in the snowpack, but much of the refrozen snow trail was intact, especially higher up. I wore Microspikes for the entire trip, but others might be more comfortable with crampons, especially on the descent. A light layer of snow obscured the trail surface so it was not possible to judge whether there was refrozen snow or ice underneath. There was a large ice flow at the outcropping when reaching the ridge, but there was room on the perimeter to go around it. Ice flows also were a problem on the descent toward Porter. There was ice on the summit rocks but it could easily be avoided. Caution is advised but this trail is not particularly difficult at this time.
The ridge trail to Giant/Rocky Peak Ridge was similar to that described above, but had more ice flows and eroded ruts. Streams were open but easily crossable. I wore Microspikes to the summit of Giant, but then changed to crampons for the rest of the hike. With some care and skill, Microspikes were OK for the ascent, but I would advise crampons for easier climbing. The descent to the Giant/Rocky col was in good shape and easy with crampons, except for the large ice flow which was difficult. Ascent of Rocky was on excellent crust with no ice.
All the ice which had encased the trees for the last month had melted and broken off, so the forest up high is back to normal. Nowhere did I consider the need for snowshoes due to the refrozen snow and ice surface. This may change, however, by the weekend depending on how much snow comes in tomorrow. A little snow on the ice is actually not a good thing, since you can't see what is below it.
The trail to Cascade/Porter was in relatively good shape with some open streams and channels in the snowpack, but much of the refrozen snow trail was intact, especially higher up. I wore Microspikes for the entire trip, but others might be more comfortable with crampons, especially on the descent. A light layer of snow obscured the trail surface so it was not possible to judge whether there was refrozen snow or ice underneath. There was a large ice flow at the outcropping when reaching the ridge, but there was room on the perimeter to go around it. Ice flows also were a problem on the descent toward Porter. There was ice on the summit rocks but it could easily be avoided. Caution is advised but this trail is not particularly difficult at this time.
The ridge trail to Giant/Rocky Peak Ridge was similar to that described above, but had more ice flows and eroded ruts. Streams were open but easily crossable. I wore Microspikes to the summit of Giant, but then changed to crampons for the rest of the hike. With some care and skill, Microspikes were OK for the ascent, but I would advise crampons for easier climbing. The descent to the Giant/Rocky col was in good shape and easy with crampons, except for the large ice flow which was difficult. Ascent of Rocky was on excellent crust with no ice.
All the ice which had encased the trees for the last month had melted and broken off, so the forest up high is back to normal. Nowhere did I consider the need for snowshoes due to the refrozen snow and ice surface. This may change, however, by the weekend depending on how much snow comes in tomorrow. A little snow on the ice is actually not a good thing, since you can't see what is below it.