MJHBackpacker Posted August 15, 2001 Posted August 15, 2001 Be aware that crevasses have opened on the Muir Snow field. Carry an ice axe with you! Quote
Dan_Larson Posted August 16, 2001 Posted August 16, 2001 More than likely there will be a bunch of wands around those crevasses real soon if not there already. Quote
Dru Posted August 16, 2001 Posted August 16, 2001 quote: Originally posted by Jman: Wouldn't a rope work better?  No the best thing is a 30 foot aluminum extension ladder. you wear it around your waist  Quote
jules Posted August 16, 2001 Posted August 16, 2001 I haven't been to the Muir snowfield recently, but I'm thinkin' that if one falls on the Muir snowfield, one ain't slidin' anywhere anyway. Quote
hikerwa Posted August 16, 2001 Posted August 16, 2001 Or you could wear some 20 foot bamboo poles off or your suspenders..... Quote
Alpine_Tom Posted August 16, 2001 Posted August 16, 2001 My understanding is that you should proceed like RMI does: in groups of a dozen or more, a foot apart, slow-marching in step. Quote
payaso Posted August 16, 2001 Posted August 16, 2001 I was just up there on monday and there are quite a few opening up on the field. With so many day hikers going up there, it's only a matter of time before one of them goes into one. Most people don't know what they're getting into. I had to jump one that was at least 3 feet wide. There are wands placed strategically near the best places to cross, but there is still potential to fall in. Quote
Chongo Posted August 16, 2001 Posted August 16, 2001 This may sound obvious but this is a CLIMBING website not a HIKING website. I assume most CLIMBERS won't think too hard about the conditions on the Muir Snowfield. Let me tell you about the North Ridge of Baker currently....now that's an issue right now you should be concerned with.... Let's all bring about 50 wands up to Muir and get that thing back in order! Quote
imorris Posted August 16, 2001 Posted August 16, 2001 ...reminds me of when we had to downclimb into the boot track on Emmons awhile back...... Quote
Dan_Larson Posted August 17, 2001 Posted August 17, 2001 Your absolutely correct Chongo . Keep your eyes open and everyone should be fine.No way I'm gonna rope up on the Muir Snowfield.Even though the D.C. is in great shape the real problems with crevasses don't start until the traverse from the Flats to the bottom of the Cleaver. Even then I only saw one that we crossed that made me a little nervous.After the moat on the bottom of the cleaver things are pretty uneventful. at least thats the way it was a couple of weeks ago. I am going again Mon/Tue let you know what it is like then.. Quote
EddieE Posted August 17, 2001 Posted August 17, 2001 This is a climbing website, but someone has to look out for the sport-o-climbers who may want to break free of the crags. Quote
Jman Posted August 17, 2001 Posted August 17, 2001 The purpose of my original reply was sarcastic. My apologies to MJH for getting flamed, keep in mind though his screen name: "Backpacker". Just as an fyi to him - an ice axe does not prevent you from falling into a crevasse - only a rope could do that. It's always a wise idea to take an axe with you while climbing Rainier, but again this is generally for self-arrest. Last time I was on the Muir snowfield I couldn't even glissade it, much less use an axe to self-arrest. Your best bet is to not be a gaper and avoid getting near it. Quote
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