Winter Scramble - West Tiger Mountain Railroad Grade

Trip

Winter Scramble - West Tiger Mountain Railroad Grade

A unique scramble aimed at preparing fully vacccinated folks for the rigors of advanced Winter Scrambles. Although held in a venue not normally associated with Winter Scrambles, the intent is that successful attendees will complete the day reasonably prepared to attend their first Winter Scramble.

  • Sat, Nov 20, 2021
  • Seattle Alpine Scrambling Subcommittee - Winter Scrambling
  • Scrambling
  • Adults
  • Moderate
  • Challenging
  • Mileage: 15.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 5,000 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 2,200 ft

Arranged via email.

This very strenuous day (~5000’ gain, ~15 miles) will involve cross country travel, map/compass navigation, a review of scramble skills particularly useful on Winter Scrambles (e.g. Ice Axe Self-Belay), as well as a review of their gear’s suitability for use on Winter Scrambles (i.e. fit and function of snowshoes, crampons, micro-spikes, ice axe leash).  Particular attention will be paid to the wide range of clothing/extra-clothing/emergency gear (e.g. bivy bag) necessary for dealing with winter time emergencies.

Attendees are required to bring the gear necessary for a full-on Winter Scramble in the depth of the Winter (with temperatures down to 10 °F).  This required gear includes:

  • 10 Essentials for winter temperatures
  • Mountain Boots
  • Ice Axe with leash (an inexpensive leash is shown here)
  • Snowshoes (w/aggressive claws)
  • Crampons (NOT the ones for technical ice climbing)
  • Micro-Spikes
  • Helmet

This additional weight will contribute to our conditioning as well as facilitating demonstrations.  This will also allow us to verify each person’s gear for fit, function, and suitability.  Another key part of the day will be to review how each person’s gear would be used to negotiate an unexpected overnight stay on a Winter Scramble.

Several Tips:

  • Mittens are much warmer than gloves.
  • Windproof/waterproof mitten shells make mittens warmer.
  • Line your pack with a heavy duty garbage bag to ensure gear remains dry throughout the day.
  • A completely redundant wool/synthetic full body layer: long john top & bottom, socks, mittens, balaclava/head-neck covering.  This layer is not used during the day, remains at the bottom of the pack, and is only for emergencies (such as an accidental full body dunking in a stream).
  • A long closed cell foam pad (at least 3/4 length) to insulate from the cold ground/snow in a prone position.
  • Bivy Bag (to save weight, one without poles)
  • Multiple pieces of emergency puffy gear (preferably synthetic) help you stay warm, even in the worst of conditions.  A pair of puffy synthetic pants is particularly useful.
Route/Place

West Tiger Mountain Railroad Grade


Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Check with leader for any additional group gear or required equipment specific to trip location

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