Started this trail 8am today, sunny and temps in the high 20s to start. Conditions haven't changed much since @Crabman's report 3 days ago. Road is rough but mostly clear to trailhead, small patch of compact snow and ice that could be difficult for the last 1/4 mile.
Meltwater had frozen over the first 1000' of trail or so, making for slow going. Intermittent snow until 4000', where it became necessary to put on spikes. While the bootpack up was decent, freeze-thaw has created an ice crust on a lot of the north and west slopes, increasing the consequences of a slip/fall. Poles and spikes should be considered mandatory, especially early in the day or in colder weather.
Made the summit at 10am, had some snacks, and returned to the TH around noon.
Comments
Edgar HOF on Mount Pilchuck - Winter
So both gates up to Pilchuk are open? Did you do the normal route or the winter route? Think I'll do this one this weekend. Thanks for the info.
Posted by:
Edgar HOF on Jan 30, 2019 09:29 AM
elevatedtv on Mount Pilchuck - Winter
Both gates were open, TH parking was snow-free with a small stretch of rutted compact snow and ice just before. Not sure which route I took, followed bootpack which matched the USGS marked trail, assuming that's the summer route, especially based on some of the avy-exposed slopes it traverses. Snowpack was well consolidated and appeared to present minimal danger, but as always check NWAC before you head out-
Posted by:
elevatedtv on Jan 30, 2019 11:16 AM