2021 Snow Level
Re: 2021 Snow Level
In the Silver Star neighborhood today. The 2500' arrow in pic below was about as high as I got. Notice that's just barely above the snowline, but it was suddenly deep, tricky to walk in. I suspect Grouse TH is accessible, but snow probably starts soon after. That could make it a great snowshoe hike, with perhaps no need to pack them up the trail.
Re: 2021 Snow Level
Herman Creek trail, snow starts just after you leave the burn area, about 2400'. After that it gets deep quick, and wasn't quite crusty enough to not posthole.
There's also some significant trees down across the trail in a couple spots but overall pretty navigable. Most of the damage is between Whisky creek and Cedar Swamp camp. Here's the worst one, >5' diameter monster straight across the trail.
There's also some significant trees down across the trail in a couple spots but overall pretty navigable. Most of the damage is between Whisky creek and Cedar Swamp camp. Here's the worst one, >5' diameter monster straight across the trail.
You know exactly what to do.
There's no need to be afraid.
Keep walking.
There's no need to be afraid.
Keep walking.
- woodswalker
- Posts: 835
- Joined: November 25th, 2012, 4:51 pm
Re: 2021 Snow Level
Don Nelson, I still aspire to do as well as you when I grow up. I am 64 so fortunately I have time to get in shapeDon Nelsen wrote: ↑March 16th, 2021, 2:55 pmHa! At my age, I'll take every unfair advantage I can get!drm wrote: ↑March 15th, 2021, 7:02 amThat's an advantage? I can go hike Deschutes if I want to avoid EG. I've got my "winter pounds" that I need to get rid of. I like uphills - as long as they aren't too steep.Don Nelsen wrote: ↑March 13th, 2021, 2:11 pmThe big advantage is it gets you over 400' higher when you start your hike, nearly 500' above the normal start.
Those winter pounds are something else, though: You know, of course, what the "19" in "Covid 19" means don't you? I'm lucky, I gained only about ten pounds since a year ago, so I consider myself ahead of the curve.
dn
- Don Nelsen
- Posts: 4382
- Joined: May 28th, 2008, 10:03 pm
- Location: Vancouver, WA
Re: 2021 Snow Level
Oh what I'd give to be 64 again!woodswalker wrote: ↑March 28th, 2021, 8:57 am
Don Nelson, I still aspire to do as well as you when I grow up. I am 64 so fortunately I have time to get in shape
"Everything works in the planning stage" - Kelly
"If you don't do it this year, you will be one year older when you do" - Warren Miller
"If you don't do it this year, you will be one year older when you do" - Warren Miller
Re: 2021 Snow Level
A few days ago I was struggling at 2500', but today I made it to 4000'.
I left the north Tarbell trailhead, followed Tarbell, cut over on Chinook to gain the north ridge of Silver Star.
There was new snow (I could see it above in the trees).
Getting to the crest of the ridge was tough. The new snow was very firm (virtually no footprints left behind me). I wasn't planning on going this direction when I started out, and I had no traction. I struggled up to the crest, where it was easy walking until the gendarmes. I couldn't bypass them. It was a beautiful day, and with the right equipment it would be a fun ascent. Based on the forecast, I was sure the snow would soften in the afternoon, but it was way too cold/windy to hang out waiting for that.
I'm disappointed, of course, but I had fun where I was at, so was grateful for that.
Couldn't decide on a beer, so went sober today. Yikes, it was terrible. I don't know how people do it!
I left the north Tarbell trailhead, followed Tarbell, cut over on Chinook to gain the north ridge of Silver Star.
There was new snow (I could see it above in the trees).
Getting to the crest of the ridge was tough. The new snow was very firm (virtually no footprints left behind me). I wasn't planning on going this direction when I started out, and I had no traction. I struggled up to the crest, where it was easy walking until the gendarmes. I couldn't bypass them. It was a beautiful day, and with the right equipment it would be a fun ascent. Based on the forecast, I was sure the snow would soften in the afternoon, but it was way too cold/windy to hang out waiting for that.
I'm disappointed, of course, but I had fun where I was at, so was grateful for that.
Couldn't decide on a beer, so went sober today. Yikes, it was terrible. I don't know how people do it!
- Attachments
Re: 2021 Snow Level
You couldn't just walk around the right side and up that mellow looking grassy slope? (Didn't you have your XL ice axe?) Was the sobriety getting to you?
#pnw #bestlife #bitingflies #favoriteyellowcap #neverdispleased
- mountainkat
- Posts: 110
- Joined: March 4th, 2015, 6:12 pm
Re: 2021 Snow Level
Tagged Green Point on 4/4/21. We took the Herman Creek trail and went up from there. Returned the same way. Snow started at Cedar Swamp, elevation 2800 ft.
Re: 2021 Snow Level
I did Silver Star from Grouse Saturday.
Didn't start early enough and the snow was already getting soft from the sun around noon.
The ridge above the drainage was a little treacherous.
Slipping, postholing, just a bunch of mush. More work than it was worth. Even with spikes.
Turned back before hitting the wooded rubble incline.
Some spots I pushed my pole all the way down to the handle. Pretty deep.
Didn't start early enough and the snow was already getting soft from the sun around noon.
The ridge above the drainage was a little treacherous.
Slipping, postholing, just a bunch of mush. More work than it was worth. Even with spikes.
Turned back before hitting the wooded rubble incline.
Some spots I pushed my pole all the way down to the handle. Pretty deep.