C2C in February

[davewebb15]

Good afternoon. I will be staying in Palm Desert from Feb 8-24 and I want to attempt the C2C. Is this a reasonable thing to do in the middle of winter? I will be prepared with snowshoes, microspikes, and poles and I have some climbing experience (Rainier, Hood, St Helens). I realize that there is currently snow at the top of the tram and that there was a considerable storm several days ago. Any input would be appreciated. I just don't want to be that guy who winds up on the news. Thanks. : )
Dave Webb

[sdtrackrunner]

My opinion: bring crampons and an ice axe. Even if its only a superlight set. The trick is, you might need them just below the tram station, when retreating would be very unappealing, so people are tempted to press on even though they might be unprepared. The crux will be routefinding and whatever frozen stuff you encounter on the relatively steeper section below the tram. Nothing will be as challenging as the terrain on Rainier, as long as you are on route.

[neverwashasbeen]

Dave, I was glad that I had snowshoes on Tuesday. I saw two people do the peak with micros, but most of us had snowshoes. I would have liked having micros for the ramp down from the tram to Long Valley.

[mczzmm]

I will be there from AZ on a business trip and planning on doing it on the 2/27 if I can find a hiking buddy. Dave or anyone else interested in that weekend?

Thanks,

Mark

[Se7ev_Summits]

Hey guys,

I'm a bit late on the post, but I hope you have a good hike out there today, it looks like a great day. Post a report of the conditions you see. If anyone is into it I'm looking for a partner to ski the left side of the North Y couloir. I know its not quite the c2c but it will surely be an adventure. Crampons, axe, and harness definitely necessary. I don't know if it will be a skin or a bootpack, but probably going right up the gut of it after we get around the Water Co. land at the bottom. Considering either a 3am start or an overnight. If conditions are perfect maybe the tram but I would rather see the line on then hike up. Not much beta for skiing this one online. If anyone's interested or has any intel, let me know.

[davewebb15]

Mark,
Unfortunately I cannot join you on the weekend of the 27th as I will be flying back to Portland on the 24th. I arrived in Palm Desert yesterday and will post a brief report after my c2c attempt.
Dave