Mt. Sniktau

Route: Southwest Ridge
Posted On: 2/28/2019, By: NicoleBly
Info: I agree with mtree on the cold and windy, but I had the opposite experience in that the wind got worse for me when I hit the ridge. I turned around shortly after making ridge due to gusts too strong to keep myself upright. Trail is in great condition as is TH. Traction was necessary (IMO), great walk-up, just check winds ahead of time. 

Route: Southwest Ridge
Posted On: 2/19/2019, By: mtree
Info: COLD! Icy spots, bare trail, and a few drifts to ridge. Only one other sucker descending and I started late. Once on ridge the wind stopped. From there the trail was snowpacked with a few drifted areas, but never deeper than just below my knees. Except for the other lone hiker there was no evidence of anyone else since the previous day or so. No special equipment needed, but poles or spikes helpful. Nice option if you're just looking to stay acclimated. Did I mention it was cold?! 

Route: Southwest Ridge
Posted On: 1/27/2019, By: dwoodward13
Info: Route well wind blown. No need for snowshoes. I did not use spikes but some may way depending on conditions. Several pretty gnarly cornices so just be aware where you are and make sure you have solid ground under you. 

Route: Southwest Ridge
Posted On: 1/20/2019, By: Giant hills
Info: Windblown trail with spotty snow,super windy on upper ridge. No flotation needed. Used micros, but not necessary. Fun run down. 

Route: Southwest Ridge
Posted On: 1/7/2019, By: mtree
Info: Windblown packed snow conditions most of the way. Around or over the false summit was not traveled so it is now! Snow no deeper than just below my knees. No special equipment needed, but spikes and/or trekking poles helpful descending the ridge. Most ice is avoidable. I only used poles and was fine. Snowpack on eastern aspects and summit are thick. I'm no avalanche expert, but I'd keep some distance from the edge of the bowl. Nice hike with easy trail access to help stay acclimated to altitude! 

Route: Southwest Ridge
Posted On: 12/18/2018, By: Ptglhs
Info: A mix of wind scoured and hard packed. Floatation not necessary. I didn't use traction though microspikes would have been nice for a good portion of the route. From what I saw it was a similar story heading over to Cupid/Grizzly D. Watch the edges of the cornice on the final push. 

Route: Southwest Ridge
Posted On: 11/30/2018, By: LetsGoMets
Info: Pretty standard winter-like condition report on Sniktau. Mix of windblown snow and exposed dirt/rock. Minimal postholing, didn't use traction. Cupid had similar conditions. Snow was moving in as I descended, so depending on amounts, I would expect it to be back to normal (windblown etc) in a few days if not sooner. 

Route: Southwest Ridge
Posted On: 11/26/2018, By: mtree
Info: Hiked to Sniktau and added Cupid for fun. Trail mostly snowpacked and windblown with a few icy spots (easily avoided). Some clear sections. Otherwise, no special equipment needed. Boots fine. Storm front rolling in by late afternoon so conditions likely changed. However, with typical wind pattern I doubt it changed that much...probably better traction on windblown snowpack and a few deeper snow areas. Plan accordingly. 

Route: Southwest Ridge
Posted On: 11/14/2018, By: Trotter
Info: Did both Sniktau and Cupid. Not much snow on the route, was ankle deep at most. Cupid is almost dry. Some icy patches and snow can be very powdery and slippery at steep areas. Don't need snowshoes. Traction is optional but useful. 

Route: Southwest Ridge
Posted On: 5/26/2018, By: awake
Info: Summer conditions. Snow is entirely avoidable. 

Route: Southwest Ridge
Posted On: 3/24/2018, By: clairekm
Info: Route was windswept all the way up. Snowshoes definitely not useful. Micro spikes were useful in a couple of places, but not necessary. Cornices on the east side of the ridge after the junction. No need to worry if you stay on the trail, but don't get too close to the edge 

Route: Southwest Ridge
Posted On: 3/17/2018, By: mlloyd5
Info: Hit the TH at around 7:15 am on 3/17/2018. Jaunt up to the fork of Cupid/Sniktau was cold and windy, but once on the ridge and in the sun it was very pleasant. Winds probably averaged less than 10 MPH. At the moment the route is very visible. Not much snow at all. No need for traction/flotation/gaiters. The dog even made it up. 

Route: Southwest Ridge
Posted On: 3/14/2018, By: Trotter
Info: It looks like october up there. Very little to no snow on route to both Sniktau and Cupid. Traction, gaiters, snowshoes are not needed. I could have been in tennis shoes today, deepest snow was ankle deep. 

Route: Southwest Ridge
Posted On: 2/11/2018, By: stubert
Info: Cold and windy conditions this morning on Sniktau. Mixed snow/dirt for the majority of the route. Didn't use/need traction or snowshoes. Deepest snow encountered was probably mid calf, tops. Beautiful day up there for my buddy's first peak. 

Route: Southwest Ridge
Posted On: 12/22/2017, By: LetsGoMets
Info: A few wind drifts but nothing needing flotation. Spikes are useful but also not needed. Some cornices are already formed on the east side of the ridge between the false summit and true summit.