Winds?

[soulcamp]

Hey all - I was planning to head up tonight to hike C2C tomorrow, but I'm really concerned about the winds. Supposedly, they will be coming in mostly from the NW, so with the trail being on the eastern face, I honestly have no idea what this will mean.

Has anyone hiked the trail in strong winds before? How much effect does it have? I know one thing for sure - the peak is going to be COLD.

I'm wondering if I'd be better off delaying my trip to Monday when things settle down a bit. Any suggestions from the experts?

[neverwashasbeen]

The weather forecast for Monday indicates much milder conditions.

[Ellen]

Howdy SoulCamp

I would not have wanted to summit today -- the wind was howling in Long Valley. I've summited from the tram in these conditions in the fall -- it's not very fun. You can't hear yourself think and you're constantly getting stuff blown in your face and eyes.

Tomorrow is supposed to be worse Whenever you decide to go, have a great trip

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[zippetydude]

Ellen's been up to the summit at least a couple times, I'd listen to her.

But remember, you don't have to do the last couple miles up to the summit. You can do Skyline, have a crazy fun time with or without the winds, and call it a day none the worse for wear. I actually prefer this weather on Skyline and may pop out there myself if I get a chance. I usually prefer to do either of the two segments, not both at once, because it's so much smoother in the planning. That way, I get a lot more fun in and don't have to worry so much about logistics and weather. Just a thought. Hope you have fun. If I go, maybe we'll run into each other on the trail. BTW, the wind Ellen mentioned is not all that big of a deal without snow, but when it whips the snow up and removes the outer layer of skin from your face...kinda rough. On the lower section, no snow. I did Whitney once with 60 mph gusts, but no snow. Shorts and a t-shirt were fine. Sounds kinda scary, people dressed for Mt. Everest were turning around, but it's no problem with no snow.

z

[soulcamp]

Thanks guys! I had looked at the weather forecast for Monday and decided it didn't make sense to make the trek all the way up there tomorrow, so I'll be starting Monday morning instead. Hopefully the winds will have died down by then.