Tuckerman weather question

[kcyanks1]

Originally Posted by David Metsky

You mean without crampons? At this time of year I don't think they're needed, but other people won't go up without them. If you have regular alpine boots I'm not sure most crampons will fit. Other traction devices (like Stabilizers and MicroSpikes) are not really appropriate for the Ravine.

Thanks. I figured crampons wouldn't be necessary at this time of year (and was hoping that someone would say that). I didn't realize though that you couldn't use them with normal alpine boots (which is what I have). At the time I posted I wasn't totally sure about the device, as someone I'm going with (also his first time there, at least in the winter/for skiing) mentioned something that he said was not crampons. He since sent a link and it was MicroSpikes. You'd say those are not helpful for the ravine itself or the trail leading up to it?

[David Metsky]

Originally Posted by kcyanks1

You'd say those are not helpful for the ravine itself or the trail leading up to it?

They could be somewhat helpful on the way up to the Ravine but they are better on softer boots in mid-winter conditions. With all the slush and corn on the trails they don't have enough bite. And they're best for relatively flat terrain, so climbing with them isn't helpful.

[kcyanks1]

Originally Posted by David Metsky

They could be somewhat helpful on the way up to the Ravine but they are better on softer boots in mid-winter conditions. With all the slush and corn on the trails they don't have enough bite. And they're best for relatively flat terrain, so climbing with them isn't helpful.

Thanks. I won't bother making any last minute purchases then.

[andyzee]

No need for crampons, plenty of boot pack. One thing I found useful was an ice ax, but no real need for that either.

[kcyanks1]

Originally Posted by andyzee

No need for crampons, plenty of boot pack. One thing I found useful was an ice ax, but no real need for that either.

Are my feet going to come back looking like yours?

[andyzee]

Originally Posted by kcyanks1

Are my feet going to come back looking like yours?

Only if you buy new boots that are a bit big.

Wiseguys, a dime a dozen!

Oh, forget everyones advise about warm clothes, you'll do fine with tshirt and shorts, I mean, it's May!

[kcyanks1]

Originally Posted by andyzee

Only if you buy new boots that are a bit big.

Wiseguys, a dime a dozen!

Oh, forget everyones advise about warm clothes, you'll do fine with tshirt and shorts, I mean, it's May!

I didn't make you put your feet up as your avitar T-shirt and shorts it is!

[andyzee]

Originally Posted by kcyanks1

I didn't make you put your feet up as your avitar T-shirt and shorts it is!

Those ain't my feet

[riverc0il]

Originally Posted by andyzee

No need for crampons, plenty of boot pack.

Not after 7" of snow and wind loading. But I suspect there may already be the begins of folks rekicking in steps before the weekend. The boot ladders most certainly will not be as clear cut and well set this weekend as last. Still, cramps will likely not be required though some folks prefer them. As per the previous thread, if you decide on cramps, and ice ax is also required and you should practice with them before going into terrain that a fall could hurt you more with cramps than without them if you fail to arrest correctly. My opinion is climb a less steep gully in ski boots only and you'll be fine.

[kcyanks1]

Originally Posted by riverc0il

Not after 7" of snow and wind loading. But I suspect there may already be the begins of folks rekicking in steps before the weekend. The boot ladders most certainly will not be as clear cut and well set this weekend as last. Still, cramps will likely not be required though some folks prefer them. As per the previous thread, if you decide on cramps, and ice ax is also required and you should practice with them before going into terrain that a fall could hurt you more with cramps than without them if you fail to arrest correctly. My opinion is climb a less steep gully in ski boots only and you'll be fine.

Thanks for the tips. My plan was to do Left Gully unless advised otherwise, with Hillman's possibly as a backup.