ExcitableBoy wrote:mrchad9 wrote:The early season snow conditions on Washington stratovolcanoes are not very much different than they are on California stratovolcanoes.
I don't have much of a base to compare. I've only climbed Shasta, once, via Casaval Ridge the last weekend in May. Conditions seemed more like July in the Washington Cascades; nice firm neve, no post holing, good step kicking. Maybe it was just a fortunate coincidence, but the research I had done indicated late May was some years too late for Casaval Ridge.
I'm not one to believe in energy vortexes or such, but there was definitely an energy on Shasta that was unlike anything I've ever experienced. LIke a lot of positive ions in the air or something. And the Dr. Seuss trees were crazy.
I would not make any assumption after just one attempt. However, you would be surprised when people say Casaval Ridge route is done for the season, including local guides. Shame!
So if I need any beta I only ask if snowshoes are necessary for the lower part, and still leave them in the car.
Yes, conditions are similar but one needs to consider the different in the distance from the North and weather patterns and, therefore, seasonal timing adjustments. However, the glaciers, especially on Mt Rainier, are just much bigger and more serious in the Washington Cascades, even on a tiny Mt Baker. If the DC route did not have a trail (snow path) I would assume many, many endeavors would be dying there if attempting it at all.
As of energy, believe in what you want to believe. However, I’ve mentioned this a few times in the past that it’s easier for me (no altitude issues) to get to the top of Mt Rainier than Mt Shasta, even with a full backpack to the summit. I assume one of the factors is excitement; I love glaciers.