[pct-l] Walking on Snow

[Scott]

Ned, Ned, Ned.

 > Walking on the surface of snow is easy as long as it is hard. The
 > only issue you will have is that it is slippery

If it's flat with no sun cups, it might be easy. There are *several* 
issues. Hiking constantly on snow will reduce your mileage 
significantly, increase your exertion and calorie intake, which means 
increasing your load. It is work! Most of the snow a thru deals with is 
on the passes, lots of hill slope, very rarely flat.

 > Thus, try to avoid post-holing like the plague and get your day done 
 > by mid-afternoon or earlier.

Let's see. You find yourself at the south side of Mather Pass at 2pm on 
a beautiful day with 5+ hours of daylight left, 2 miles of snow to 
cross, a nice slushy slope and you're going to call it quits so you can 
tackle Mather in the morning when it's iced over? Really!? Is that what 
Mountain Educations advises Ned?

What Ned is suggesting is absurd. It's completely impractical, 
unnecessary and a greater hazard. Yes, you may post hole in the 
afternoons, but in spring snow conditions of a normal snow year it's not 
a major issue.

*Walking on icy slopes can be treacherous. Walking on slushy slopes not 
so much. Avoid walking on early morning icy slopes. Hard icy surfaces 
and dangerous run-outs injure hikers, not slush.*

Remember, the most simple approach to dealing with snow is to wait for 
it to significantly melt. No need to rush into the Sierra, you'll get there!

-postholer

-- 
www.postholer.com