Granite Mountain

[Buckshot]

Looking to go hike Granite Mtn. next weekend to shake the cobwebs off. Is the snow pack stable yet or is it still kinda early? I have zero avy gear beyond a shovel and no training so I want to wait till avy season is pretty much over yet still have enough snow to practice self-arrest with some friends.

Anyone been up there lately? Is there a better option?

[mmeyers]

if you haven't already, check wta.org

 

here's a 5/4 report:

http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report.2013-05-04.5073389181

 

if you're concerned about avy danger, you could shake your cobwebs off at Mailbox peak

[obwan]

The link just says the trail is closed. Has the body of the recent avalanche victim been recovered yet?

Maybe try McClellan Butte trail - you'll hit some snow, no need to summit.

[jordansahls]

The Trail was still closed on Sunday. I walked up from the parking lot to the Granite mountain trail turnoff and there was still tape blocking the path. It was the first time I had heard about the trail closure. The news said that SAR was planning on resuming the search Monday morning.

 

Link

[obwan]

I heard on the news that the avy victim has been found and will be recovered today, not sure when the trail will be open. It happened about three weeks ago, bummer for the family - but now, maybe there can be some closure. My condolences and sympathy.

[rob]

I want to wait till avy season is pretty much over yet still have enough snow to practice self-arrest with some friends.

Anyone been up there lately? Is there a better option?

 

1) Best not to think of avalanches as having a "season"

 

2) Stevens pass is a great place to practice self-arrest.

[AlpineK]

I want to wait till avy season is pretty much over yet still have enough snow to practice self-arrest with some friends.

Anyone been up there lately? Is there a better option?

 

1) Best not to think of avalanches as having a "season"

 

2) Stevens pass is a great place to practice self-arrest.

 

I highlited the most important part

 

Source Lake on Cinco de Mayo

[matt_warfield]

Granite Mtn. is a dangerous early season hike unless you avoid the avy gullies by going straight up. McClellan has avy gullies too. Look for safer options unless you want to clear the cobwebs the wrong way.

[obwan]

Matt: You are right, Mclellan can be nasty in early season. One time I went up on a Memorial Day, and it turned into a full winter ascent.