Is there snow or ice on Skyline Traverse

[JackP]

Has anyone been up since the recent storm? Wondering if I should bring Microspikes tomorrow? Thanks.

[TectorGorch]

Also interested to know...thanks

[Ellen]

Howdy All

Neverwashasbeen reported this on Wednesday:

"I took a look at the top portion of the trial, just below Grubbs Notch this evening and it has almost no trace of snow. I didn't get down far enough to scout out the traverse, but there didn't seem to be much snow on the east side, under the tram. On the other hand, at the point where the trail goes up the drainage to Round Valley, the northerly facing slopes were covered with snow and the trail had some icy parts, not serious but a little slippery. Hope this helps."

I will be heading up Skyline tomorrow and carry microspikes.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[hawkbill666]

Thanks all.

Curious Ellen if you, or anyone else go as far as to be using waterproof hikers.
Or just regular hikers and the spikes?

I know once the snow gets deep it becomes waterproof boots/hikers, just curious if that is what is being used now.

Thanks

Scott

[zippetydude]

Hi Scott. It's good to see you posting again. Perhaps we'll meet in person out on the trail. Regarding waterproof shoes, I find that unless I go to the trouble of using both those and gaiters it makes little difference because the water/snow will come in around my ankle anyway. I have some Montrail Mountain Masochist waterproof shoes, and I wear them on cooler days just because they feel a little warmer.

Regarding the original post, you will clearly be able to make it either way. I usually bring the micros in conditions like this because they're so light and easy to pack. On the other hand, if I'm out of space in my hip pack, the micros are the first thing to come out.

Might be out there myself. Have fun all!

z

[Ellen]

Howdy Scott

I'll wear my Keen's. They and Smartwool socks keep my feet warm enough for most snow conditions on Skyline.

If the snow on Skyline is deep enough to require knee-high post-holing and gaiters, I'm hiking elsewhere

Howdy Z,

If you're out tomorrow, it would be great to catch a glimpse of your cape as you fly by

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[Hikin_Jim]

Wow, you have good eyesight, Ellen.

HJ

[hawkbill666]

Thanks Z!

Yes, I miss Palm Springs, and will only be there for 48 hours, but it will be good to be back. Would love to meet on the trail, but as I have noted in the past, my pace is slower than most here as I am a skyline tourist ....but everytime I come down I meet one of you on the trail which is always quite pleasant.

I do have gators and spikes for both myself and my first time friend. Well, one set of spikes and a set of icetrekkers.

Ellen,

I have a pair of Keens and they are very NOT waterproof, are yours the waterproof types or no...?

Still trying to decide a my feet do not like the heat of my waterproof shoes, but we could find ourselves left with too much energy at the tram, and might be forced to hike higher , so it will likely be waterproof shoes.

Thanks

Scott

[Jill G]

I use KIWI Camp Dry Spray for a water repellent coating on my nonWP boots. Works fine for a few trips. You can go light on the footwear and still stay dry.

[solo]

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