New to rock climbing and taking on the Whaleback, Kings Cany
- giantbrookie
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Re: New to rock climbing and taking on the Whaleback, Kings Cany
I would presume you don't want the complication of steep snow in any of the gullies, so you should probably wait (at least) until late June. I realize this is a NW slope rather than N or NE, but it may hold some snow in the gullies well into June, I suspect, but I've never been there that early in the season.
Since my fishing (etc.) website is still down, you can be distracted by geology stuff at: http://www.fresnostate.edu/csm/ees/facu ... ayshi.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
- markskor
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Re: New to rock climbing and taking on the Whaleback, Kings Cany
Just finished reading Blehm's The Last Season - now, more than ever, very much aware of the dangers of snow bridges over hidden gullies.giantbrookie wrote:I would presume you don't want the complication of steep snow in any of the gullies, so you should probably wait (at least) until late June...It may hold some snow in the gullies well into June, I suspect,
BTW, great read!
Mountainman who swims with trout
- maverick
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Re: New to rock climbing and taking on the Whaleback, Kings Cany
Would highly recommend that you not try any peak climbing in the spring with out
gaining a solid foundation in snow travel. Knowledge in self arrest, using an ice axe, and
being proficient at assessing the terrain (snow bridges, avalanche danger, ect..) should
all be acquired before taking on such endeavors, and not left up to chance or winging it.
gaining a solid foundation in snow travel. Knowledge in self arrest, using an ice axe, and
being proficient at assessing the terrain (snow bridges, avalanche danger, ect..) should
all be acquired before taking on such endeavors, and not left up to chance or winging it.
Professional Sierra Landscape Photographer
I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.
Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.
Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
- Mike M.
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Re: New to rock climbing and taking on the Whaleback, Kings Cany
Start with class 2 scrambles, then take on a few routes with sections of class 3 expossure to see how comfortable you are. Will you be doing this alone or with a partner?
It might be best to invest some time this summer to getting to know your comfort with class 2 and 3 routes, then take on The Whaleback next year. In the general area surrounding The Whaleback, there are many fine peaks that are class 2. Triple Divide Peak, at the head of Cloud Canyon, is one. (Some of the best views of The Whaleback can be had from the head of Cloud Canyon.) Another fine class 2 peak in the area is Mt. Brewer. The Whaleback is much more difficult to climb than either of these two peaks.
Mike
It might be best to invest some time this summer to getting to know your comfort with class 2 and 3 routes, then take on The Whaleback next year. In the general area surrounding The Whaleback, there are many fine peaks that are class 2. Triple Divide Peak, at the head of Cloud Canyon, is one. (Some of the best views of The Whaleback can be had from the head of Cloud Canyon.) Another fine class 2 peak in the area is Mt. Brewer. The Whaleback is much more difficult to climb than either of these two peaks.
Mike
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