Snow conditions on C2C trail?

[Duganaddy]

Can someone comment on how much snow is present on the trail and it's caracteristics? Density, amount, where it begins, % coverage, etc? Can the trail be done safely to the tram with YakTrax or are crampons essential? Thanks your your experienced input.

[Ellen]

Howdy Duganaddy

Went up Skyline yesterday. There was new snow over the ice on the traverse (7.4 K) -- I used microspikes from there up to Grubbs Notch.
Haven't been from the tram to the summit in a while, so defer to other reports.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[KathyW]

What happens if you fall on the icy traverse? I've not been up the Skyline Trail recently; so I don't know about conditions, but that traverse is not something to take lightly if it's icy.

It's not a pretty picture when someone falls down a steep slope and can't arrest the fall - especially if there are rocks and trees to crash into.

With how little snow there has been up there this year, I suppose the traverse will be melted out soon and ice won't be an issue.

Anyway, be careful out there and remember that easy to one person is extremely difficult and dangerous to another person.

[bluerail]

There is ice in the traverse above 7600' right now

[JackP]

Can anyone provide thoughts on conditions for Saturday, April 7th Skyline?

We're assuming Microspikes are needed but generally there will be "tiny postholes" (perhaps mid-calf at most) on portions of the traverse. In other words, relatively sweet conditions.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
inde Jack

[JackP]

Thanks so. Uh - you painted a great picture. I'm hoping, if that was last Saturday, that by this Saturday conditions will have improved a bit. Will post an update late Saturday.

[lesper4]

I am going to the summit from the tram on the 15. You think water proof boots with micro spikes in the pack will be good?

[divehike]

Hiked Skyline this morning. The traverse is 85% clear of snow. I used traction on the patches of snow - it was an easy hike (not like 2 weeks ago!).

It was a little hot, but otherwise perfect.

[bart47]

I've been up Skyline several times, under different ground traditions. Is the traverse passable without traction devices, using poles and moving carefully?

[tramtim]

For most of the day we have been getting snow and sleet, about 2" and if they are right this is going to be here most of the night. So anyone that is planning on heading up be prepared for icy condition for the next few days, next front is due Thursday night and looks like it’ll do the same as this one has.