Palisades79 wrote:Truely astounding ! What were the actual dates ? Where was the snow line at the start and on the descent ? How cold was it ? How much daylight ? Were they climbing everyday with headlamps ? How many batteries & how much fuel ? Where did they find a place to erect a tent & sleep side by side between Southfork Pass and Mt.Sill ? How long did it take to get back ,with a stop to pick up their snowshoes from Southfork Pass,to their car from Agassiz ?
Jerry! I'm honored to answer your questions directly! Additionally, some is outlined here:
http://www.jediahporter.com/2013/03/palisade-nuts-and-bolts-nitty-gritty.htmlWe climbed February 26-March 2.
We hit snow before the S. Fk creek crossing, and left snow around Second Falls returning down the N. Fk.
It was cold. I've been meaning to look at sensors to get a handle on that. I've been slammed with other missions (In Canada now, preparing for a Guide's Exam. Ian's in Vegas, rocking out), and haven't gone through the motions. Night 1 was certainly ca. 0f. Subsequent nights were slightly warmer. Days never got warmer than 20s, F.
We climbed in the dark afternoon 3, afternoon 4, and morning 5. We hiked in the dark from just below Sam Mack Meadow.
took 12 lithium aaa batteries, used 9.
Took, as Adam indicates, 20 oz pressurized fuel, used about 18oz.
Pitched the tent just south of Middle Palisade summit, just north of Mt. Williams, on Scimitar Pass, and in the deepest notch on the NW ridge of T-Bolt. Snow makes site selection easier: tent platforms are more plentiful, and drinking water is right outside the door.
We summited Agassiz about 3:30pm on day 5, and reached the car at 10 or so. The snowshoes are still at S. Fork Pass...
So, yes, technically we are not done yet.