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vancouver island, b.c.
Canada
403 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2010 : 08:22 AM
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| I would like to do the Judges route this weekend but have only done it in summer so far.Prother,you likely know the hill better than most,what would you think of doing this in this current weather?Has the warm rain and recent cold nights solidified the snowpack enough do you think to make this a safeish idea?AM up and down by about 1:00 pm ? |
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Qualicum Beach, BC
Canada
1306 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2010 : 9:38 PM
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Hi Monkeyboy,
My last report of road conditions from a few weeks ago was that vehicles could only get to the first switchback uphill from the Judges route start, so the road is clear at least to Judges. With recent melts, I expect road access will be open to the "rock cut" just before the Saddle access. If further up in elevation, have 4W/DR and carry chains.
I'm going up on a backcountry ski trip to Mt Cokely on Sunday with a group of "Bring on Spring" friends. We are expecting to drive to at least the "rock cut" and skin up from there.
Regarding our Island snow conditions, this is the time of year that we may see some of our most avalanche prone conditions. On the coast we relax and don't worry much about avalanche danger, since our snowpack is dense and relatively stable. This time of year we are especially prone to cornice failures and wet slides. These wet slides are very wet slushy slides that happen when the snowpack quickly becomes warm throughout and termed isothermal. These slides move slowly and many people figure that they can outrun them, but these slides are very heavy and if caught in them, it is likened to being stuck in cement.
My advise would be to have a good hike on dense snow, but if it gets warm & sloppy and you're suddenly postholeing
through slushy snow, then it's time to turn back.
Peter |
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vancouver island, b.c.
Canada
403 Posts |
Posted - 04/23/2010 : 09:42 AM
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Great,thanks for your insight Pete! I will be watcing our forcast and discuss this with my partner for the hike.Crest is an alternate hike for us also,no doubt less risky and possibly the "right" choice for my partner.With good advise,clearer choices can be made,thank you. |
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vancouver island, b.c.
Canada
403 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2010 : 2:39 PM
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| A forcast of cloud and rain stopped the alpine idea.Driving past Arrowsmith revealed fresh snow very low down the mountain in the morning.Instead,a hike near Oshinow was chosen.Snow can stil be found choking the roads to Oshinow and beyond.Upper Ash main has some small washouts but is still ok.Mostly showers but the day was still good and it was nice to see that country again. |
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Qualicum Beach, BC
Canada
1306 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2010 : 6:59 PM
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I was up with a group of friends up Mt Cokely for a ski tour today. We could drive (4W) almost to the ski park gates. There was about 10 cm of new snow that made for good skinning up, but was heavy for skiing down. Saw two other parties of skiers, of 5 people each, but didn't talk to them.
Also saw a group of snowmobiles that were in the park illegally and had driven past the signs stating the park bylaws. Does this paint all snowmobilers as law breakers? To me it does, since they are the only ones I see. Repeated letters that I have written to the snowmobile federation and local Island clubs have gone unanswered.
Mt Cokely is home to the blue listed Vancouver Island white tailed ptarmigan and is within the federally designated Arrowsmith Important Bird Area. No motorized activity is allowed off of the access road into the ski park. The snowmobile federation & local clubs all know this, but do nothing to advise their members or reach out to "those non-members that must be breaking the law". "It's not us". Ya, right.
Peter |
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Arrowsmith snow cond.
