A very accurate report of the events that day. I had a great time even though we didn't make it to the summit. The Snow Lake basin is lovely this time of year.
It was probably the best day I ever had for photography. This was one beautiful hike. As for the summit, it always is a far away third. We put safety first and we had fun and we made it back with great new memories.
It was scary and the trip lead me to cancel my Mount Hood trip New Years Day when I saw very poor weather coming in. "Common Sense" I think is the critical thing that keep people alive in the mountains. I always strive for Safety first, Fun second and Summit third.
Better not to risk it. Good trip report on a worthy winter objective. I realize that I wasn't there, but I wonder if your avalanche danger could have been further minimized by staying on the regular trail route. As I remember, it pretty much stays in trees the whole time up to Gem Lake, and then even past there up the ridge around Gem Lake to Wright Mountain.
I think if we were higher up on the ridge that might have helped out a little but then again I'm not too sure. If you click on the picture that actually was the location of the trail (http://www.summitpost.org/image/542590/542583/the-trail-around-snow-lake.html). That part of Snow Lake actually side traverses those slopes. In summer they don't look bad. But in early winter when all it take is a minor avalanche to send you in to frozen water and break some bones the side traversing of Snow Lake can be dangerous.
Gimpilator has a link to both on his page. I think I like to take a second crack at this one though in early spring when the snow has consolidated more.
gimpilator - Jan 11, 2010 9:49 am - Hasn't voted
Good Job!A very accurate report of the events that day. I had a great time even though we didn't make it to the summit. The Snow Lake basin is lovely this time of year.
EastKing - Jan 11, 2010 11:10 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Good Job!It was probably the best day I ever had for photography. This was one beautiful hike. As for the summit, it always is a far away third. We put safety first and we had fun and we made it back with great new memories.
lcarreau - Jan 11, 2010 8:21 pm - Hasn't voted
Geez ...That would have scared the living daylights out of me !
I'm glad you included "Common Sense" on your equipment list !!!
EastKing - Jan 11, 2010 11:15 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Geez ...It was scary and the trip lead me to cancel my Mount Hood trip New Years Day when I saw very poor weather coming in. "Common Sense" I think is the critical thing that keep people alive in the mountains. I always strive for Safety first, Fun second and Summit third.
Snidely Whiplash - Jan 11, 2010 11:18 pm - Voted 10/10
You made the right call.Better not to risk it. Good trip report on a worthy winter objective. I realize that I wasn't there, but I wonder if your avalanche danger could have been further minimized by staying on the regular trail route. As I remember, it pretty much stays in trees the whole time up to Gem Lake, and then even past there up the ridge around Gem Lake to Wright Mountain.
EastKing - Jan 11, 2010 11:31 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: You made the right call.I think if we were higher up on the ridge that might have helped out a little but then again I'm not too sure. If you click on the picture that actually was the location of the trail (http://www.summitpost.org/image/542590/542583/the-trail-around-snow-lake.html). That part of Snow Lake actually side traverses those slopes. In summer they don't look bad. But in early winter when all it take is a minor avalanche to send you in to frozen water and break some bones the side traversing of Snow Lake can be dangerous.
Gimpilator has a link to both on his page. I think I like to take a second crack at this one though in early spring when the snow has consolidated more.