Current conditions below Grubbs Notch

[Norris]

Did Skyline again on Saturday and conditions on the traverse (and especially between Coffman's crag and Grubbs Notch) have improved since a week ago due to the heat. I used (and would still recommend) crampons and a light-weight ice axe but for those opting to use only micro-spikes or even nothing at all it is much less dangerous now.

[guest]

Thanks for posting this info.
With snow predicted for Wed / Thur, we could have potential risky conditions, with hard-packed being hidden by new, fresh snow.
Hopefully what is there now keeps melting, which may also allow better consolidation if & when new snow falls.

Be safe folks, don't get to 7k w/out some traction devices, (& some experience with them), and then press-on because you don't want to go all the way back down.
People have been seriously injured or worse in those areas.

ss

[mrzues]

thanks for posting. very helpful

[hazmaan]

We are headed up the C2C trail and to the peak on Saturday, 2/20/16. All three of us will be bringing microspikes to put on at the traverse. Does anyone know if any new snow fell yesterday (Wednesday, 2/17/16)? And, if so, down to what elevation did the snow fall? We would also appreciate any other successful tips for this trail that someone might like to share.

Happy Trails.
N.

[Johnlee]

Currently sitting at 7400 feet. Light ice so far, no fresh snow. Microspikes not needed yet. 60 degrees.

Spoke too soon.. microspikes useful at around 7440 feet, right at the traverse. Also, snow shoes recommended for last 2 miles of summit.

[mczzmm]

I wouldn't say "easy", yet I'm sure it is relative. I did put on my crampons and had an ice axe. It was hot which allowed pretty good traction in the melting snow, yet still not without risk. Be cautious as you are also quite spent by the time you reach the traverse. I went on to the peak on Saturday as many said that wasn't possible either, yet only wore my spikes below the Tram and wore trail runners, fully soaked to the peak.

[Ed]

Be cautious as you are also quite spent by the time you reach the traverse. I went on to the peak on Saturday ...

Thanks for the excellent trip report, photos, and cautionary words. I understand the first sentence. The second is not exactly a logical follow-on to the first. My hat is off to you for making the summit.

I am puzzling over whether to do Skyline or Villager this weekend. A tradeoff between dealing with the snow on Skyline, and the heat coming down in the afternoon on Villager. Not the very best conditions for either, but very far from the worst. Or perhaps I will pass on both, since I have a slight pain in one calf. But I have not done Skyline since January 2, and it is tough passing up what looks like a relatively good opportunity. If anyone does Skyline mid-week, I would be very interested in their snow report.

[Ed]

Ed, just my opinion, but the snow is easy to navigate right now below Grubb's Notch. Probably easier this weekend with another week of heat and no precipitation. It is nothing like several weeks. Dramatically different. I don't think an experienced mountaineer like you would have any type of issues whatsoever.

Thanks for the advice. I will probably take it and do Skyline on Saturday. I've done Skyline before with what seem like similar snow conditions. Looks like more snow could change conditions on Sunday. And thanks for the compliment. Unfortunately, there is a gap of about 38 years between the bulk of my experience and current capabilities. If you zip past an aging slowpoke on Saturday, that is probably me.

I'm always grateful for snow reports. As are many other people, I'm sure.

[7birdies]

If someone could please provide a recent condition report below Grubbs Notch that would be great. I travel light, not wanting to bring any traction devices. Thanks in advance for any info.

[neverwashasbeen]

I did Skyline yesterday, carried micros and didn't use them. Only snow is after the start of the traverse and most patches only about 10 feet of trail coverage. I was glad to use my poles. Large tree has fallen on the switchbacks below Grubb's Notch and damaged/covered the trail in several places.