TR: Snowshoeing in the Eastern Sierra
Here is our latest trip report – lots of photos of snowy mountains: Blog post This is a sample photo – this is the Bishop Creek area, with Mt. Tom on the right side: Click For Full-Size...
Forum Discussion
Cal, one of our friends (an almost-senior citizen) hikes and climbs in steep snowy terrain with an ice axe -- if and when he slips, he knows how to jam the axe into the ice to "self arrest" so that he does not slide over the cliff.
My personal view is that when we are hiking or snowshoeing in potentially fatal terrain, I can't assume that I will react fast enough to get the axe in far enough and that the ice and snow will be firm enough to hold me. The same is true when the trail crosses potential avalanche chutes -- yes, they make rescue beacons, but someone has to be there to detect the beacon and dig you out before you suffocate. Often, especially in winter, DW and I are the only ones around for several miles.
Probably I'm being over-cautious, but I'm just not motivated to take those risks.
My personal view is that when we are hiking or snowshoeing in potentially fatal terrain, I can't assume that I will react fast enough to get the axe in far enough and that the ice and snow will be firm enough to hold me. The same is true when the trail crosses potential avalanche chutes -- yes, they make rescue beacons, but someone has to be there to detect the beacon and dig you out before you suffocate. Often, especially in winter, DW and I are the only ones around for several miles.
Probably I'm being over-cautious, but I'm just not motivated to take those risks.
