Tag: Scapegoat Wilderness

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A December Weather Change

In the last week, the weather has changed in Western Montana. We have gone from moderate snowfall (between 6 inches and 3 feet, depending on the elevation) and subzero temperatures, to an extended forecast with a mixed bag of scattered rain and snow, including temperatures up to 40°F. Even the elevation of 10,000 feet along the Continental Divide has an extended forecast with a low of 20°F.

Could this be the beginning of the El Niño weather pattern? The NOAA is staying quiet. That could be the smart thing for them to do. I, on the other hand, am not part of the NOAA. Indeed, where the weather is concerned I am a hands-on kind of guy. For that reason, any attempt I would make to cross an avalanche slope after the recent snowstorm would be dangerous, even foolhardy. If it were to rain on the slope, that same attempt would likely be fatal. On the other hand, this weather can also settle the snowpack while creating a crust I can walk on with my snowshoes and crampons. This latter condition is exactly what I am hoping to have for the Continental Divide trip.

In addition, 50 miles into the Continental Divide trip beginning in January 2015, I will encounter my first slopes that require technical climbing gear to ascend and descend. Besides the peril of possible avalanches, proper placement of snow pickets in powder to anchor my rope would be difficult if not impossible.

Yesterday, I drove north for my first winter training trip, which I intended to undertake in the Dearborn River Canyon of the Scapegoat Wilderness. With the nonstop rain soaking into the snowpack at the trailhead, I canceled the trip. Forget the avalanches. Rainfall during the winter on my equipment and on me is dangerous. Nevertheless, go I will, just not up there. This morning I leave for Bannock Pass on the Montana and Idaho border to the south. According to the weather forecast, any moisture I receive down there will be snow.

To be clear, during the 90-day trip, which begins in approximately 30 days, with the exception of rain falling on the snowpack, it makes no difference what the weather conditions are. I will travel through most of it.

With that said, you know I sort of feel like I’m playing poker with the totally emotionless old man winter. Regardless of what I do, his stare never changes. I look into his eyes, at his protected card hand, and then glance at the wall behind him. There is no perceptible movement in his eyes or on his face. Finally, I place my cards on the table. In turn, he places his on the table. Then while his blank, yet cold eyes continue to stare a hole through me, his hand smashes mine to a pulp. Oh boy.

 

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Phase Three: Winter Training

In Helena, Montana, the cliffs of Mount Helena, seen from the Prairie Trail
After a November snowstorm in Helena Montana, from the Prairie Trail a wintry scene of the cliffs of Mount Helena City Park.

November 1, 2014 marked the beginning of my third and final phase of training for the Continental Divide winter trip. This was also the start of the winter training. In a growing snowpack, I will undertake at least three multi-night backcountry trips. Here in Helena Montana, I have increased my daily training regimen. I am now exercising at least twice a day in the basement for approximately one half hour per segment (the physical therapist says where my back is concerned, it is critical to do the exercises three times a day). The daily minimum exercise on Mount Helena includes carrying a 53-pound load 3.5 miles with an ascent/descent of 800 feet.

Although the announced plan is to begin the Continental Divide winter trip on February 1, 2015, I have to be ready to go by January 1. If there is enough snowpack coupled with a crust on the surface after the New Year begins, that is when the trip will begin. In short, 46 days might be all that remains before the trip begins.

On Monday, November 17, I will begin my first winter training trip 75 miles north of Helena with three nights in the Scapegoat Wilderness’s Dearborn River Canyon. Although there will be snow on the ground, I am unsure whether snowshoes will be necessary. Make no mistake; I will have the flotation gear with me. Skimping during past winter trips has afforded me plenty of opportunity for some costly lessons, one nearly fatal. Weather wise, as of the morning of November 13 the extended forecast calls for moderating temperatures with a low of approximately 14°F on Monday and a high of 32°F by Tuesday, excellent traveling temperatures. The load weight will be approximately 75 pounds, not counting the nearly 6-pound snowshoes. Unfortunately, less than one week ago I began training with a 53-pound load. That Dearborn trip load is probably going to feel like a wheelbarrow load of batteries. Uggh.

This trip will also mark the first time I have been in the beautiful Dearborn Canyon since January 2002. If the next two winters go according to plan, I will travel through this canyon again in 2016, during the second leg of the Continental Divide winter trips.

I will be using the satellite connected personal messenger device. All Facebook and Twitter users will be able to follow my daily progress. That is, you will be able to locate my camp at the end of each day on a provided map.

After the Dearborn trip, I will attempt to do two more training trips, likely in December before beginning the main trip. Although unsure of these other trip locations, I suspect one will be to Lionhead Mountain in Henrys Lake Mountains near West Yellowstone, Montana.

Finally, yesterday the physical therapist made clear that where my back is concerned, the pain free days of travel with a load are behind me. All the training I am doing, particularly the strength and endurance training concerning the small of my back will only lessen the pain, not eliminate it. That interprets into a slower pace. Simultaneously it shortens each day’s travel time. The challenge continues to grow.

With that said, the morning exercises are front and center. Although I am unsure what the results will be, I will continue to prepare for the Continental Divide trip. In other words, where the trip and its preparations are concerned, all is normal.