Does anyone want to go on Humphrey's Peak this winter?

[Steven K]

I was thinking about going snowshoeing on Humphrey's Peak anytime from December 13-15. I've hiked Humphreys three times in the summer where there was little to no snow there so going with someone when there is snow will help a lot.
Thanks!

[toddak]

You get the Kachina Peaks backcountry permit

http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/coconino/pa ... recreation

and I'd be up for it, as long as the snow cover is good.

[Jim]

I don't think the base layer is ready yet, you're in that awkward time of year after the trail is a little too deep, but the winter route isn't ready. You want 36 inches of snow at 9500', minimum. Snowbowl reports it, and should report that snow depth, or they used to do that. They make snow, so it's hard to know for sure if their figures are useful for the backcountry.

http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/reportGene ... 3A%3Avalue

Check that and get snow depths over 36 inches, before heading out. Less is no fun on rocks and other things.

[Hippy]

Friends of mine were just up there this past weekend, snow boots and microspikes, said the snow was still soft, not frozen hard and slippery. I'd be willing to hike it after the 16th, for no other reason except that's when i'm done working and moving.

[Jim]

This begs the question of which route are you interested in doing? Haley's friends must have done the trail, and you have that posted as a linked hike, but you have the backcountry route as well. The trail can be done with much less snow. Usually, it isn't as nice as the other, once snow depth accumulates.

[PatrickL]

I'd like to head up Dutchman Glade and maybe add Agassiz sometime before spring.

[Steven K]

@toddak
Hey I'm replying to your reply on Humphreys peak. I'm really sorry on the late response. I posted this and then forgot about it until now. If your still up for it we can go up Humphreys Peak anytime between now and January 5. You can email me at swatin98@hotmail.com if your still interested. Sorry again for the late response.
Thanks!
Steven

[Jim]

Toddak, the SNOTEL for Snowslide Canyon reports a little less than 3 feet, so the Dutchman is probably at the minimal readiness level. Expect rock obstacles down low. I'd be speculating on conditions beyond that, but the Snotel site is about the level of the end of the first switchback above the sign-in box, which should well above any snow level. Until at least one good Pacific Storms come through again, the Peaks are probably not that great. Do-able, but not great.

Consider the Main Cirque, for a nice alternative.

[Jim]

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/images/fgz/webcam/camera1.jpg

Consult that image from the NWS office in Bellemont, since the USFS webcam has been static since June. Notice the lack of snow above treeline. Early promises of a banner winter are fading to hopes of mediocrity. Lots of black rock up there. No storms a'comin', or a'brewin'.