Is It Melting At All? - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

humby · 11-09-2011, 10:26 AM

We have a group contemplating going up to Meadow on Sat, then looking at WH5 on Sun morning to determine whether to commit to the trail backwards. I fully expect that we will end up just playing around up at Meadow, and not venture down, but thought I would ask.

The forecast is looking good right now, but we are obviously concerned about remaining snow / ice on the trail. No extreme vehicles in our group... just experienced folks w/ lifted jeeps locked in the rear w/ 33's who have run the trail numerous times.

Anyone know if there is any significant melting going on since last weekend between Indian Springs and Committee? How bad is the ice? We have NO interest in dealing w/ problems such as having to winch out from Committee like in the video on another recent thread!!!

Thx.

pepe · 11-09-2011, 11:37 AM

I would say there is some melting going on but the night time temps are below freezing. The bigest problem we had was the ice. The snow packed up into ice so quick. Now it has been melting and re freezing all week. I wouldnt cancel my trip if it was me but be prepared to winch and get your own junk off the trail.

humby · 11-09-2011, 12:26 PM

Thanks Pepe. That's what I figured. Looks like our trip is happening, and we will take a peek from the top of WH5 just to see what it looks like, but will just stay up at Meadow.

Like I originally said. we have no interest in commiting to the trail, then having to deal with significant ice (especially on the offcamber sections) and winching to get out. Also, I'd like to make it to my next birthday. Looks like the trail will have to wait until next summer.

I hope others will take a cautious approach to tackling the trail as well.

(I'm still interested in any first hand reports though).

RCKRATZ · 11-09-2011, 12:51 PM

Don't forget that Meadow gets significantly more snow than the pics you were seeing from Fordyce Lake. Its ~1000ft higher in elevation

humby · 11-09-2011, 03:00 PM

The report I got from USFS Sierravile District ranger was about 12 inches total at the beginning of this week on the road to Meadow, so we should be good. Thanks.

11-09-2011, 10:26 AM	#1 (permalink)
humby Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Member # 74935 Location: San Rafael, CA Posts: 29	Is It Melting At All? We have a group contemplating going up to Meadow on Sat, then looking at WH5 on Sun morning to determine whether to commit to the trail backwards. I fully expect that we will end up just playing around up at Meadow, and not venture down, but thought I would ask. The forecast is looking good right now, but we are obviously concerned about remaining snow / ice on the trail. No extreme vehicles in our group... just experienced folks w/ lifted jeeps locked in the rear w/ 33's who have run the trail numerous times. Anyone know if there is any significant melting going on since last weekend between Indian Springs and Committee? How bad is the ice? We have NO interest in dealing w/ problems such as having to winch out from Committee like in the video on another recent thread!!! Thx.

11-09-2011, 11:37 AM	#2 (permalink)
pepe Rock God Join Date: Mar 2003 Member # 17870 Location: Richmond, Ca Posts: 1,324	I would say there is some melting going on but the night time temps are below freezing. The bigest problem we had was the ice. The snow packed up into ice so quick. Now it has been melting and re freezing all week. I wouldnt cancel my trip if it was me but be prepared to winch and get your own junk off the trail. __________________ Arguing with a inspector is like wrestling with a pig in the mud. After a while you realize the PIG is enjoying himself!

11-09-2011, 12:51 PM	#4 (permalink)
RCKRATZ Registered User Join Date: Dec 2000 Member # 2485 Location: Sunnyvale, CA Posts: 2,964	Don't forget that Meadow gets significantly more snow than the pics you were seeing from Fordyce Lake. Its ~1000ft higher in elevation __________________ Keith Ratzburg aka "El Rolo" Friends of Fordyce-Director

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11-09-2011, 12:26 PM	#3 (permalink)
humby Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Member # 74935 Location: San Rafael, CA Posts: 29	Thanks Pepe. That's what I figured. Looks like our trip is happening, and we will take a peek from the top of WH5 just to see what it looks like, but will just stay up at Meadow. Like I originally said. we have no interest in commiting to the trail, then having to deal with significant ice (especially on the offcamber sections) and winching to get out. Also, I'd like to make it to my next birthday. Looks like the trail will have to wait until next summer. I hope others will take a cautious approach to tackling the trail as well. (I'm still interested in any first hand reports though).

11-09-2011, 03:00 PM	#5 (permalink)
humby Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Member # 74935 Location: San Rafael, CA Posts: 29	The report I got from USFS Sierravile District ranger was about 12 inches total at the beginning of this week on the road to Meadow, so we should be good. Thanks.