Longs North Face conditions? Snowshoes?

[Dancesatmoonrise]

We're planning on Longs this Friday, and wondered if anyone has been up to the boulderfield in the last few days and if so, whether snowshoes are needed. Also, how the snow apron below the Cables route looks right now.

Thanks!

Nevermind, as expected it was hard packed to Alpine Brook, where a well trampled winter trail exists and leads to Jims Grove. Summer trail was kind of intermittent after Alpine Brook

Chris, did you get a chance to see how things looked in the Moraine? Snowshoes needed though the willows? Thanks!

[ChrisRoberts]

What do you mean by in the moraine?

There were a few places immediately above treeline that we did need snowshoes, though we were also the only ones that went up by the summer trail. If you take the winter trail just before Alpine Brook you can get up to the Battle Mtn site without needing snowshoes. Beyond that, Id guess the drifts get smaller the closer you get to Chasm Junction and beyond. Boots should probably get you to at least the Boulderfield alright, if not the bottom of the Cables.

[Mindy]

Not sure if helpful, but these are from today. I was not the only one up there today, one person passed me with ice tools on his pack (didn't get his name). Maybe he will post something

View of pass and trail conditions.jpg (213.88 KiB) Viewed 383 times

Happy New Year.jpg (86.34 KiB) Viewed 383 times

Happy New Year 2.jpg (186.21 KiB) Viewed 383 times

[Dancesatmoonrise]

Outtasite! : )

Thanks, Chris and Mindy!