Wednesday, April 4, 2012Mt Washington 4.3.12 I had a small window of time so I wanted something close. I had hoped to make my way up to Change Peak since I hadn't climbed it before. I had hoped to take advantage of the trench laid by a fellow climber. I had read the dire forecast for the deluge that was forecasted but when I got up it was pleasant and better yet dry. I had a few obligations to attend to and by the time I was ready to leave the downpour had arrived. I fully expected and was prepared to get soaked, but since the weather had cooled so drastically I held out the hope that I would be able to hit snow short order. It was raining as I suited up at the trailhead but as soon as I started out it stopped and stayed that way for the entire day. In fact it was downright pleasant out. I guess the old adage " you never know until you try" holds true. It has been some time since I did any real climbing so I wasn't overly optimistic to make any blazing times. When I reached the junction for Change Peak I started a short ways up only to be rebuked by the deep heavy snow. After floundering a short ways I decided the pounded trench to Washington would be much more enjoyable and for me doable. I plugged away until I reached the dreaded steep portion at the head of the basin. It appears that most of the trench layers had thought better of the steep portion and only one set of prints kept on. The person booted it making their trail useless to me and my heft. Thankfully I was able to find a base layer 18 inches down taking some of the hardship out of the climb. I wanted dearly to make it back in time to put the kids to bed. I only had 500' to go but at my snail's pace I knew I couldn't have both a summit and family time. I retreated and enjoyed a nice walk out. I had climbed Mt. Washington before and I didn't remember it being nearly as long. I was surprised to be taxed a bit more than expected. All and all it was good to be out. http://alpinelakesaficionado.blogspot.com/2012/04/mt-washington-4312.html

Just want to warn people that this is not a 2 mile hike. From the parking lot, to the ledge about 200 ft elevation wise short of the summit, took 3.75 hours; our time down was two hours. We were in micro spikes, study boots and good poles. (For referance the same group of peope who did this hike have complete Mt.Si to the base of the hay stack in 2.25hours) This hike is tougher than Mt.Si, but not as tough as Mailbox. snow on the trail within the first quarter mile, snow shoes not super helpful because the snow is mostly packed, but some post holing as the weather continues to warm up. Clear path to follow. Steep open face right below the summit, we kicked in some good steps to follow, but pay attention to the weather as that area is high avalanche danger depending on weather.

I enjoyed a gorgeous day on Mt. Washington, with balmy, springlike weather prevailing even on top. Hazy clouds obscured Mt. Rainier, but otherwise the vista from the top of the mountain was impressive in every direction. The trail to the mountain was still snowy as previous reports indicated. However, heavy use on Saturday along with warm temperatures has resulted in a packed-down trail all the way to the top. No postholing required. The snow route mostly kept to the path of the summer trail, but there was one short fall-line climb up a steep open slope that may present an avalanche danger in some conditions. I used snowshoes, even though they hardly seemed necessary. Without showshoes, I would recommend using boot traction aids to maintain grip on the sometime steep trail. Slushy snow began right at the start of the trail and steadily increased with elevation. The snowpack at the first Washington Creek crossing (elev. 2800') was impressive, about 5 feet deep. It's going to be months before the trail melts out.

There was a lot of snow on the trail. I'd definitely suggest bringing snowshoes to increase your chances of summit. Couple of people in our group didn't have snowshoes and they had to turn back since it was getting very difficult to continue with postholing. Gaiters would be highly recommended, traction I'd say optional - but good if you have it. Keep and eye for the unmarked trail from the Iron Horse trail - you should be able to see a clear boot path. Once on the right trail, there is a well beaten footpath that you can follow. At the Grand Wall junction stay on the mt Washington trail (right fork). There is a steep section just before the summit - after you cross the pond area. It's a fairly difficult hike - but the views are well worth it!

A quick update on conditions before the nice weekend... Lots of new snow on the trail, starting at the parking lot. I did not bring snow shoes and made it to the Owl spot before giving in to the inevitable...about 10 inches of new snow at that point and enough old snow to sink to the waist if stepping off the packed tread. The new snow made it hard to stay in the tread, but that should be better tomorrow as there were a few of us packing it down to the Owl spot. A guy with snow shoes went a little further up, but if you plan on going to the pond or beyond, you will probably be breaking new snow so bring the big feet. Gaiters a must, traction a maybe.