pershings conditions?

[Blakej]

Has anyone taken a look at pershings in the past couple days. I'm thinking of going for it tomarrow but I'd like to know if I should expect having to scramble over wet snowy rock.

Edited October 30, 2004 by Blakej

[Tweezer]

I doubt this will help but, I saw Pershing from the air about 20 miles East. The snow level seemed to begin about 3,000ft. The ridge looked pretty well covered as did the summit. Watch out for bees.

[Blakej]

thanks I'm hoping the little bastards will be out of commision from the cold weather and rain.

[Macson]

In the same neighborhood I took my son's cub scout den up Ellinor Saturday. We took the Summer route and turned back at the top of the boulder field. I went up a little higher myself to the base of the bare slope just beneath the summit. The protected areas had 2' or so of fluff and the exposed meadow had a pretty hard layer of crust covering the snow. While it was sunny, the wind was howling and I decided it wasn't any place for kids. I saw only a single boot track going higher than I did.

 

As for Pershing, I would expect more of the same. Postholing & brush with deep snow starting around 4,800' or 4,900'.

[Blakej]

We went for it via a approach from the Hamma hamma but had to turn around short of the summit due to time. Nasty ass bushwack through 2000 vert of devils club. Sucked really bad. The snow started about 2600ft and was 1-2 ft above 4000 and went from soft and fluffy to very hard. Crampons would have been nice for the upper 1000ft.

[bremerton_john]

Sounds like I missed a good time. Did you stop for Jo-Jos and a few cold ones on the way back through Hoodsport?

 

-John

[Blakej]

It was interesting to say the least. That was the worst unavoidable stand of devils club I can imagine but once in the two upper basins it was fun working our way over the odd consistancys of snow. As for the jo jos I had to pass them up for the luxurious heated seats in chris's (partner)new VW. By the way Chris has pretty must sworn off the oly's now stating that he swears I told him there was a trail to the treeline.

[bremerton_john]

Ha Ha. So are you saying I probably won't be seeing your friend Chris on any of my death marches?

 

Where did you get the idea there was a trail over on the Hamma Hamma side?

[Blakej]

Honestly I'm not sure where he got the idea I only mentioned that the other side was flagged a bit. I guess he just assumed there would be a trail to the alpine. Tough lesson learned for him.

[johndavidjr]

If not November, what's best month for Pershing? Also, what are feasible bivouac areas for slower parties?

[Blakej]

If you took up the route up I did from the Hamma Hamma there is a great basin (first basin in the description) to set up camp in. It didn't seem to have any danger of major slides and in winter would make for a beautiful base camp. It seems like most people I talk to do it in spring and early summer. I think spring would be the most enjoyable and make the bushwack better. Bremerton John has done it several times so maybe pm him.