Trip Report: On Snow Training
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On Snow Training By Mark Maier |
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| CLIMBING | 04/27/2024 | NTD+ |
| On 27-April a fairly large group got together to practice on-snow mountaineering skills, such as cramponing, ice axe self arrest, and anchor building at the just closed Alta ski area. The weather forecast was problematic, but on the morning it was quite nice with intermittent sun and reasonable temperatures. A little colder would have been nice, to make some ice, but we dealt with some fresh snow instead. The group broke into beginner and experienced groups for cramponing and ice axe self arrest. Cramponing was pro-format as the snow as too soft for much bite. Self arrest was fun since Alta black diamond runs providing just enough steepness. The groups then got back together to build, and pull test, snow anchors. We covered pickets, T-Slots (including the famous Nalgene bottle T-Slot), and finally built bollards in the relatively soft snow. As usual pull testing demonstrated the strength of a well-build T-slot, and the extreme sensitivity of a picket anchor to exactly how it is placed. The bollards held better than expected, given the soft snow, but most groups managed to saw their rope through the bollard with enough pulling. The weather moved in during the lunchtime gear show and tell. Very wet snow (might as well have been rain) brought an end to the practice. A few people headed up toward Germania pass for a ski tour anyway. |
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