Snow conditions on Asgard & Dragontail descent?

[daylward]

Anyone been up Dragontail or Asgard Pass recently? How are the snow conditions? Most importantly, are spikes & ice axe still a necessity, especially for the terrain between the summit of Dragontail and the top of Asgard Pass? I suspect so, but I'd still like to hear any recent firsthand accounts. Thanks!

 

Dan

[sketchfest]

Was up there about a month ago on our way to Prussik and there appeared to be quite a bit of snow from the top of Dragontail to Asgard. A bunch probably melted away by now, but I would suspect that axe and spikes might not be a bad thing.

[ryland_moore]

I assumed most people did not take spikes late in the season, maybe an axe, because the approach is not too difficult except the moat on the ascent, and by the time you descend it will be all slushed up. No?

[Bug]

A month ago people were doing the back side of Dragontail without crampons but moving very slowly. Good luck finding much left going down Asgar.

[JoshK]

I imagine that snow creek "glacier" would be pretty soft in the afternoon and thus safe without axe or spikes...the runout isn't bad. Coming off dragontail in October, however, the thing was hard firn with plenty of rocks imbedded. I was glad to have carried crampons (but no axe) up serpintine. If I was going this time of year and expecting sun I dont think I'd take either, personally.

[lost_arrow]

take neither - no need.

[fenderfour]

Deleted double post

Edited August 23, 2004 by fenderfour

[fenderfour]

take neither - no need.

 

Hmmmm. I disagree. I was up there two days ago - Asgaard has zero snow. The Glacier on the Dragontail walk-up is ugly. There was 2" of crappy foamy ice/slush on the surface and water ice beneath. It was tough to get a good crampon placement, but it was doable once you kicked away the surface mank.

 

I don't think you could do the glacier without either crampons or chopping steps.