Shepherd Pass (crossing Symmes during peak flows)
Posted: Thu May 26, 2016 12:31 pm
Hello All,
I'm planning on going up Shepherd in a couple of weeks w/ a couple of buddies. All three of us are ice axe and crampon proficient and varying degrees of alpine/climbing experience. Level 4 backpackers. I've been up Shepherd's multiple times, and am familiar with the big new gully and the snow headwall at the pass. All that said it seems likely we will arrive during close to or peak flows. I understand 2 of the 4 Symmes Creek creek crossing can be skipped by bushwacking.
My questions are:
1) what are the 2 "Mandatory" crossings like a high flows?
2) Is there an alternative cross country route (this could involve scrambling/climbing) from the trailhead?
Thanks in advance. I owe you guys a couple of trip reports!
I'm planning on going up Shepherd in a couple of weeks w/ a couple of buddies. All three of us are ice axe and crampon proficient and varying degrees of alpine/climbing experience. Level 4 backpackers. I've been up Shepherd's multiple times, and am familiar with the big new gully and the snow headwall at the pass. All that said it seems likely we will arrive during close to or peak flows. I understand 2 of the 4 Symmes Creek creek crossing can be skipped by bushwacking.
My questions are:
1) what are the 2 "Mandatory" crossings like a high flows?
2) Is there an alternative cross country route (this could involve scrambling/climbing) from the trailhead?
Thanks in advance. I owe you guys a couple of trip reports!