JeffAm1
New member
So, about three weeks ago, I tried to reach the peak of Lafayette via Falling Waters and although I successfully peaked Haystack, I didn't have all my winter gear in tow to battle the frigid temps and howling wind to continue on. Well, after taking a day off from work in anticipation of the 'relatively' good weather forecast for the north country today, I tried again. BTW, thanks again for the words of encouragement and prep from 'peakbagger', 'Ed'n Lauky', and 'Driver8' to my earlier post - very much appreciated.
As I passed exit 32 about 6:30am, the low ceiling and consistent snow cover across all peaks told me I was in for a challenging day. That it was.
After a quick stop for a coffee, I headed over to Lafayette Place only to find the road coated with snow, but things seemed to be clearing (or so I hoped). There was only a dusting of snow at the trailhead and was easily navigable for the first 20 minutes. As I made my way up, the snowfall returned and became a steady flurry, the trail condition was good however, not much ice under the powdery snow so microspikes were unnecessary. At the hour mark, the snowfall increased, becoming heavier. The ground had about 3" of cover, still the trail was fine, but I was becoming increasingly concerned that my hope of attaining the summit was not to be. That was confirmed after trekking another 15 mins when the snow really kicked in to near white-out conditions. That was my cue to descend - the mountain will be there another day. Upon finding some brief shelter under a pine tree, I put on the microspikes and began heading back. I am glad I did. Although by the time I reached the parking lot, it had cleared, within the next half hour, the notch was darkened again by clouds and consistent snowfall/flurries. Other than a few woodpeckers, the only other life I encountered today was a young family prepping for a quick hike.
Hope this report helps, it's my first on vftt, so critiques are appreciated
Happy trails....
P.s. a big thank you too to LRiz for all her help in getting me prepped and equipt to start tackling all 48 4k-ers!
As I passed exit 32 about 6:30am, the low ceiling and consistent snow cover across all peaks told me I was in for a challenging day. That it was.
After a quick stop for a coffee, I headed over to Lafayette Place only to find the road coated with snow, but things seemed to be clearing (or so I hoped). There was only a dusting of snow at the trailhead and was easily navigable for the first 20 minutes. As I made my way up, the snowfall returned and became a steady flurry, the trail condition was good however, not much ice under the powdery snow so microspikes were unnecessary. At the hour mark, the snowfall increased, becoming heavier. The ground had about 3" of cover, still the trail was fine, but I was becoming increasingly concerned that my hope of attaining the summit was not to be. That was confirmed after trekking another 15 mins when the snow really kicked in to near white-out conditions. That was my cue to descend - the mountain will be there another day. Upon finding some brief shelter under a pine tree, I put on the microspikes and began heading back. I am glad I did. Although by the time I reached the parking lot, it had cleared, within the next half hour, the notch was darkened again by clouds and consistent snowfall/flurries. Other than a few woodpeckers, the only other life I encountered today was a young family prepping for a quick hike.
Hope this report helps, it's my first on vftt, so critiques are appreciated
Happy trails....
P.s. a big thank you too to LRiz for all her help in getting me prepped and equipt to start tackling all 48 4k-ers!
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