Snow run ideas...

[CanMan]

Discuss...

When?

Where?

Who?

Why?

Blah, Blah, Blah.....

[2xtreme]

In my experience you can't "plan" snow runs till you are certain there is snow where you are going;)

I am hoping to plan at least 2 snow runs this year. I hope to do 1 at Jack's pass (near Index/Skykomish) with two groups, 1 that plans on making it all the way over the pass and the other that is interested in having more fun trying to see how far they can get in the snow and playing in the snow. The trip I think we should do down near Snoqualmie Pass, lots of details still to work out.

I have also brought up and would consider a over night igloo run if there is enough interest and the group is prepared enough to do it. This would have to be a VERY well organized run with lots of concern of preparedness of both vehicles and participants. (I want to know who is interested and their experience with snow camping??)

I would also like to find some other good places to try some wheeling in the snow. As our group is expanding significantly there must be others with ideas of other places to try?

Michael

[Slacker87XJ]

Michael, I would be up for a couple of day runs (at least) as well as one or more overnight runs. Jack's Pass last year was a great trip and I would love to repeat it. Playing around up by Snoqualmie pass would be fun as well, and might be a good way to check out the capabilities of anyone new to snow wheeling.

I have not done any snow camping, but I would love to try it out. I fully agree with your concern for preparedness - we really don't want any hypothermic people or buried-until-springtime rigs. :)

-i

[ladywolf]

ooh ooh...mebbe i can make this one:D

[CanMan]

Just throwing up some stuff so all of us NWC wheelers can get a general idea of what may happen this winter.

I have snow camped before out at Buck Creek. It does get Very cold at night, and during the day as well. I have also snow camped in Cle Elum. Still cold. Being prepared with the essentials for those situations is a must.

I suggest mid January for snow camping. There is enough snow on the ground to wheel in. At Buck Creek, camping under the trees yeilds clear ground, so ones 'camp' doesn't have to be directly in the snow, which allows for dryer tents and warmer hearts. :D The airstrip is there to rally on, and there are local FS roads to try our best at. That would be my input on one of the 'Frostbite Campouts'. I personally would like to see more than one snow campout and run from the group this winter season.

[pSYChedXJ]

LET'S DO IT!! Sounds like the first real shot of snow should hit the mountains this weekend. But then again, what do I know, I'm just a weatherman. :D

Snow camping rules....

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l234/Jay2000XJ/DSC00021.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l234/Jay2000XJ/DSC00017.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l234/Jay2000XJ/DSC00016.jpg :looser:

- Jay

[GI-John]

I'm up for one just for fun, but won't be able to do anything until mid to late December.

Looking forward to it!

John

[ladywolf]

ditto even if i'm going as a passenger, dunno if the jeep will be ready or not

[FiFo]

Last year my rig sucked in the snow, this year I'm making some changes and hoping it works out better. Assuming I get the bugs worked out I would love to do some snow wheeling!

Oh, and I have never done any snow camping but would love to give it a try.

[mud1059]

I suggest mid January for snow camping. There is enough snow on the ground to wheel in. At Buck Creek, camping under the trees yeilds clear ground, so ones 'camp' doesn't have to be directly in the snow, which allows for dryer tents and warmer hearts. :D The airstrip is there to rally on, and there are local FS roads to try our best at. That would be my input on one of the 'Frostbite Campouts'. I personally would like to see more than one snow campout and run from the group this winter season.

Buck Creek is off limits from what I've been told. It's pretty much no vehicles allowed up there anymore. That's the rumor I heard anyway. Although would you really want to wheel when Crystal mountain is only another 5 miles away?!?! I like Buck Creek though, many a drunken HS weekends spent up there.

[IXNAYXJ]

...we really don't want any hypothermic people or buried-until-springtime rigs.Tinkham Snow Run, 2005:

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j160/ixnayxj/1147135482.jpg

Four months later:

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j160/ixnayxj/1147124386.jpg

Count me in for any snow/wheeling activities you can come up with. :D

-----Matt-----

[Slacker87XJ]

Tinkham Snow Run, 2005:

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j160/ixnayxj/1147135482.jpg


Thats exactly what I was thinking of ... so we'll be fine as long as nobody brings a Ford.



:D

[ECKSJAY]

Thats exactly what I was thinking of ... so we'll be fine as long as nobody brings a Ford.



:D

Do we leave them if they start crying? :rattle:

:firedevil

[Blkxjkrawler]

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j160/ixnayxj/1147135482.jpg

ya well in alaska the snow would be so deep this truck would .... Oh forget it!!!1

Count me in, I'm bringing my Tauntaun
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k68/ryanbarrett4/swempire8b.jpg

[KarlVP]

Thats exactly what I was thinking of ... so we'll be fine as long as nobody brings a Ford.



:D


What about a Jeep full of Ford parts?.....

Maybe that's why my rig sucks.

[IXNAYXJ]

What about a Jeep full of Ford parts?.....

Maybe that's why my rig sucks.

No, it's because you drive a Barbie Jeep.
http://www.mrtoys.com/fisher-price/pics/Barbie-Take-Along-Tunes-Jeep.jpg

It's a good thing yours has a winch on the front...so you could get through the spot 2 XJ went.... ;):D

-----Matt-----

[2xtreme]

Some thoughts. I will plan a snow run sometime in December (hoping for plenty of snow before it happens). I think we should run up Snoqualmie Pass area (tinkham road exit unless someone else has some better ideas). I think we should run the North side of the freeway first and then run the South side if there is time. This should be a reasonable run for both experienced and non experienced rigs and drivers.

I will hold of on planning the "official" snow run a little longer till we have a better idea of snow levels and where might be the best spot. At the moment I am leaning toward Jack's Pass and having at least two groups.

As for a "Hypothermia Run". I am more than happy to put one together. I think it needs to be held off also till we have a better idea of snow level and area. My concern about this run is that everyone has to be seriouse survival snow skills, good equipment, etc, etc. There is no reason we could not do this as part of the "official" snow run, but I suspect it would be better to do it as a different event. Are you guys interested in building snow trenches or Igloo's or do you just want to stay in tents?

Michael

[hards91xj]

I always do Holler Pass #74 road Greenwater area a couple times while there`s snow .Some times we make it all the way to the lake . This weekend there might be alittle on Naches Trail.

[PDeeXJ]

I don't think my rig can handle a snow run unless I was at the way way back of the group, but I'm reading up on igloo's using the "ice-box"... man, sounds soo awesome.

[ECKSJAY]

I don't think my rig can handle a snow run unless I was at the way way back of the group,

I dunno man...these are deep snow runs and are better suited to 33s with aggressive tread, 31s with same tread at the very least if you're all the way in the back. I've always got an open seat on a snow run if you want to ride along. :)

[Elfwizard1975]

In my experience you can't "plan" snow runs till you are certain there is snow where you are going;)

I am hoping to plan at least 2 snow runs this year. I hope to do 1 at Jack's pass (near Index/Skykomish) with two groups, 1 that plans on making it all the way over the pass and the other that is interested in having more fun trying to see how far they can get in the snow and playing in the snow. The trip I think we should do down near Snoqualmie Pass, lots of details still to work out.

I have also brought up and would consider a over night igloo run if there is enough interest and the group is prepared enough to do it. This would have to be a VERY well organized run with lots of concern of preparedness of both vehicles and participants. (I want to know who is interested and their experience with snow camping??)

I would also like to find some other good places to try some wheeling in the snow. As our group is expanding significantly there must be others with ideas of other places to try?

Michael

Sound slike Fun, I am a very experienced snow camper, Snow shoes 4 season tent and all, we even went on a snow shoe trip once JUST TO BUILD A SNOW CAVE and sleep in it. Sound slike fun huh? Anyway my jeep only has 32" by 12.50 mud tires, would that do? no lockers

Jayson

[CanMan]

Sound slike Fun, I am a very experienced snow camper, Snow shoes 4 season tent and all, we even went on a snow shoe trip once JUST TO BUILD A SNOW CAVE and sleep in it. Sound slike fun huh? Anyway my jeep only has 32" by 12.50 mud tires, would that do? no lockers

Jayson

Sounds great. Your rig should do just fine. I believe in airing down to around 4 psi, to float on the snow better with wider tires. Lockers in snow get mixed reviews. Some say they help, while others say they bury you faster. Personally, I don't think it matters too much at all.

[XJCasper]

With or without lockers, I will show you how to slide right of the side of the hill.

Jason

[CanMan]

With or without lockers, I will show you how to slide right of the side of the hill.

Jason

Please not again. :doh:






:D :D

[XJCasper]

:clap: :clap:

Please not again. :doh:






:D :D


:clap: :clap:

[CanMan]

:looser: :looser:

:clap: :clap:




:clap: :clap:

:looser: :looser:






:D :D

[PDeeXJ]

I've always got an open seat on a snow run if you want to ride along. :)

I might just take you up on that!

[2xtreme]

For those who have "little" experience wheeling in the snow. Here are a few comments. Several of us have found (or experienced :) ) the fact that the condition of the snow can vary significantly from one trip to another. And the ability of the group will change based on this snow condition.

We have always allowed jeeps with smaller tires on "most" snow run's. We have actually had several people with 31's and 32's do very well following a couple of others with larger tires. I think that siped tires and driving skill on the snow are of more inportance (unless you are leading). Lockers make very little difference in the snow. Airing down tires and siping are VERY usefull. We usually carry chains, but very rarely use them.

HTH,
Michael

[hards91xj]

Hans and I know how to get both stuck while trying to get the other out.:gag:
Entertaining ourselves while waiting for everyone else

[2xtreme]

Hans and I know how to get both stuck while trying to get the other out.:gag:
Entertaining ourselves while waiting for everyone else

I seem to remember not getting stuck driving circles around both of you while you were both holding up the rest of the group;) (oops, was that out loud:gag: )

Michael

[XJourney]

Howard that makes me chuckle. I remember that. Like two monkey on opposites side of a rope. Snow tug-o-war rules.

I would love to go on a overnight snow run but can't this year. I have a bug to finish, right Michael.

I have a vested interest in the overnight trip being a success. Being that I want to go next year, and want to have people to go with. So I may interject some of what I have learned from the couple of snow caving adventures, and the several back country snow trips I have been on.

[2xtreme]

Howard that makes me chuckle. I remember that. Like two monkey on opposites side of a rope. Snow tug-o-war rules.

I would love to go on a overnight snow run but can't this year. I have a bug to finish, right Michael.

I have a vested interest in the overnight trip being a success. Being that I want to go next year, and want to have people to go with. So I may interject some of what I have learned from the couple of snow caving adventures, and the several back country snow trips I have been on.

Someone needs to finish that Bug before your in the dog house permanently:cheers:

We would appreciate your input for the hypothermia run:worship:
BTW, trying to bury your jeep in the snow does not count as a snow cave;)

Michael

[XJourney]

Funny you mention burying the jeep as a snow cave. I figured you have three sleeping options for a Hypo run.
Best to worst

1: build a snow cave: the warmest, I have had a snow cave @ 60* while cooking dinner. but I have never been able to build a successful one with under 4 feet of snow. And nothing sucks worst then having to build a second snowcave at 3:00am @15*- windchill because your cave decided to collapse @ 6000 ft in Jan. Ask me how I know.;) And type of snow can make you or break you.

2: Four season tent: Second warmest. Not everyone has one. I don't. Unless there is alot of snow I don't like camping in the winter.

3: Sleep in your Jeep: I personally have done this once below freezing, and it was cold in there. Guaranteed to stay dry, unless your Matt. BUT the jeep is the coldest. Metal is a very poor insulator. But if you buryed your jeep it should stay at 32* and actually be warmer then that. Same reason snow caves are so warm relatively speaking. This last option is only a theory but I am pretty sure it would work. I would bet my fingers and toes on it.:)

[ECKSJAY]

3: Sleep in your Jeep: I personally have done this once below freezing, and it was cold in there. Guaranteed to stay dry, unless your Matt. BUT the jeep is the coldest. Metal is a very poor insulator. But if you buryed your jeep it should stay at 32* and actually be warmer then that. Same reason snow caves are so warm relatively speaking. This last option is only a theory but I am pretty sure it would work. I would bet my fingers and toes on it.:)

Survival training in the Army taught me never to use metal for shelter, but to use non-conductive materials instead when available. Case in point (being in an aviation unit) was not using skins or structure, but that carpeting or other synthetics were acceptable because they're poor heat conductors.

I've done snow camping trips where caving wasn't an option due to invalid snow type, but what worked best for us were bivy sacks for some...while others shared tents with partial snow walls surrounding and an extra tarp layer on top. I've done the 'foxhole' style where we used canvas tarps for a roof, covered with evergreen branches on top and lining the floor. THAT worked really well.

[XJourney]

Survival training in the Army taught me never to use metal for shelter, but to use non-conductive materials instead when available. Case in point (being in an aviation unit) was not using skins or structure, but that carpeting or other synthetics were acceptable because they're poor heat conductors.


X eleventy

Where the jeep idea rules is that you WILL stay dry. And you know that is the biggest issue with back country travel. It is difficult to stay warm if your wet. Which is why cotton has the nickname of "death cloth" And with the amount of cotton that would probably be on this trip, staying dry is the main goal.

The main thing is that IF you did the jeep thing, you had better have a (-20*) mummy bag, sleeping pad, full interior, lots of warm cloths and a sleeping platform to get you off the floor of the jeep. And then you may stay warm enough.:shiver:

For those who do this trip do everyone else a favor and wear wool or synthetics.

[IXNAYXJ]

The main thing is that IF you did the jeep thing, you had better have a (-20*) mummy bag, sleeping pad, full interior, lots of warm cloths and a sleeping platform to get you off the floor of the jeep.That's my plan.

-----Matt-----

[JBweld]

X eleventy
The main thing is that IF you did the jeep thing, you had better have a (-20*) mummy bag, sleeping pad, full interior, lots of warm cloths and a sleeping platform to get you off the floor of the jeep. And then you may stay warm enough.:shiver:


I slept on the metal floor of my Jeep 2 weeks ago at Evans, With a good down filled bag and sleeping pad, and froze my a$$ off. And that was at a balmy 40 degrees. Lesson learned.

[hards91xj]

The wife and I have spent a few nights out in the snow with temps into the teens,never had a problem yet keeping warm and dry.

[CanMan]

The wife and I have spent a few nights out in the snow with temps into the teens,never had a problem yet keeping warm and dry.

Tents I persume?

When I tented out at Buck Creek(my first snow camping experience), I would have to say, we were poorly equiped. It got down to about 10*, maybe a touch warmer. We I was in a tent, no snow underneath. I had on cotton socks, wool socks, boots, long johns, sweats, carhartt pants, thermo hunting pants, long john shirt, sleeveless cotton shirt, long sleve flanel shirt, hooded pullover sweatshirt, thermo hunting coat, and a Carhartt beanie hat. I was dressed very warm, but when it came to sleeping, it was COLD. Where I failed, is the sleeping bag. Heavy, but not a lower degree rated one. I froze my ass off, waking up every half hour or so to try to get warm. I also didn't lay down another blanket or pad, or cover myself with another sleeping bag or blanket like my other 2 friends. Eventually, I climbed into the Jeep in the wee hours of the morning, now pussing out, turned it on, let it run for a half hour to warm it up. Stayed warm for about 2 hours, then needed to be turned on again. Falling asleep in the warmth, it ran for a few hours, until it got too warm, and it woke me. That was when I had full interior.

Lessons learned. I have a much warmer still borrowed, need to get back someday, sleeping bag(Phils :anon: ). Much more thought on warmness and comfort went into my next snow camping experience. Also, when camping in Cle Elum, we let the fire rage before sleep, with tents somewhat close, it did feel as the ambient air temp was higher than without it. Drinking hot chocolate before bed, instead of snow chilled beer, it felt like my body was warmer during the night. With adding a large tarp on top of the tent, less wind/air flows through(I think), keeps the tent dry, and helps keep some of the warmth inside the tent better. I think the tent I have is mostly a summer one, which doesn't help one bit. Staying warm and dry during the day, and throughout the evening, is a major plus to having a goods night sleep.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d112/jeepin789/100_0515.jpg

[XJourney]

Another trick that has always worked great for me. And the ladies especially like this trick.


























Is to boil a pot of water before bed, then pour the boiling water into a NALGENE bottle. Wrap it in a coat (to prevent burns) and toss it in your sleeping bag. That is guaranteed to keep you warm for 8 or so hours. I love this trick, my wife has never been cold using this method. Even during hunting season in Walmart sleeping bags. And I didn't even have to cuddle ;)

[2xtreme]

The wife and I have spent a few nights out in the snow with temps into the teens,never had a problem yet keeping warm and dry.

Yeh, I havn't had much of a problem either since we have had the motorhome:rolleyes:

I have had the water lines freeze a few times though between the tank and the focets.

Michael

[hards91xj]

Yeh, I havn't had much of a problem either since we have had the motorhome:rolleyes:

I have had the water lines freeze a few times though between the tank and the focets.

Michael :clap: Aint it great Levenworth,Teanaway,Menashtash Creek,Easton, CabinCreek , Bend Oregon, and Mosier Ore. All in freezing and Snow .Yes I`ve had to put chains on my motorhome and pickup and 5th wheel .But it was worth it.:clap:

[Elfwizard1975]

So what month we shooting for? I am real inmterested, I called a friend up and he's game too as my passenger. We usually go on a snow shoe trip every year, this will take its place, no hiking either!!

[2xtreme]

So what month we shooting for? I am real inmterested, I called a friend up and he's game too as my passenger. We usually go on a snow shoe trip every year, this will take its place, no hiking either!!

I am thinking January, Maybe February. We need a good idea of the snow conditions before we set it in stone.


Aint it great Levenworth,Teanaway,Menashtash Creek,Easton, CabinCreek , Bend Oregon, and Mosier Ore. All in freezing and Snow .Yes I`ve had to put chains on my motorhome and pickup and 5th wheel .But it was worth it.

I have not put chains on my motorhome yet. Do have them and we go up to the snow all the time in the winter. Even my pop up tent trailer did ok with the heater going all night long:) I was the only pop up I have ever seen with two large propane tanks on the front;)

Michael

[hards91xj]

I have not put chains on my motorhome yet. Do have them and we go up to the snow all the time in the winter.
[quote]
I only did it when it was posted ,that over 10,000 lb law. The Mosier Ore. trip was good the plasc we were staying was 6 mi. all up hill packed snow on the road,my pickup at that time became my lift vehicle to the top of the road and then ski back down,and across the golf course,and the tubing was cool too.A postcard perfect weekend.

[2xtreme]

I am thinking that the "hypothermia run" should be a travel from point A to point B trip?

Howard, I seem to remember you tried a trip a year or two ago out near Cle-Elum or Ellensburg up north to Hwy 2 area? Have I completely lost it?

Does anyone else have any ideas of a great place to try a trip like this. Keep in mind it will be difficult with lots of snow, and we need a good place to stop and camp along the way?

Ideas?
Michael

[CoolCal]

My first snow run with you guys last year at Jack's Pass was a very good time! :yelclap: :clap: Except for the guy in red with his "newbie welcome" gesture .......:laugh3:

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d75/CalCurow/37931d7f.jpg

[Slacker87XJ]

My first snow run with you guys last year at Jack's Pass was a very good time! :yelclap: :clap: Except for the guy in red with his "newbie welcome" gesture .......:laugh3:

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d75/CalCurow/37931d7f.jpg

You'll find the one finger salute is a pretty standard greeting around here . . :rolleyes:

[IXNAYXJ]

You'll find the one finger salute is a pretty standard greeting around here . . :rolleyes:However, that is the closet I've ever seen Michael come to swearing. :D

-----Matt-----

[2xtreme]

You'll find the one finger salute is a pretty standard greeting around here . . :rolleyes:

NOT for ME!! I not sure I have EVER seen a picture with me like that!!

However, that is the closet I've ever seen Michael come to swearing.

Can you believe I swear FAR more on the trail than ANYWHERE else!!
You guys must bring out the best in me:)

Michael

[hards91xj]

[quote=2x
Howard, I seem to remember you tried a trip a year or two ago out near Cle-Elum or Ellensburg up north to Hwy 2 area? Have I completely lost it?
Michael[/quote]Never an overnighter with just the jeep, I`ve done some 1 dayers Eburg to Wenachee, Eburg to Selah ,played in the Easton area ,Hollor Pass .

[2xtreme]

Never an overnighter with just the jeep, I`ve done some 1 dayers Eburg to Wenachee, Eburg to Selah ,played in the Easton area ,Hollor Pass .

I didn't think you had done an overnighter out there, but I have not been out there at all with the Jeep. What I was wondering is if it would make a good place for trying to go from point A to point B? How does it compare to Jack's Pass, Snoqualmie area, others?

Michael

[hards91xj]

If your refering to Clakum[sp] Pass ,thats from Ellensburg to Wenachee ,we went during hunting season last year,just enough snow to give a little challenge, Dry weather easy all roads.
Ellensburg to Selah ,not by the canyon hwy ,there is a single track road that is a challenge when wet,mud and ruts steep long climbs ,depends how much snow that far east if passable or not, you look down on the Yakima River and accross at part of the Army`s Yakima Play area.
All areas are about the same once you hit deep snow ,Just in eastern wa. you don`t get rained on while playing in the snow.
I`ve played by Easton and Lake easton, ran some of the power line area in 1 to 1.5 ft of snow .when it gets deeper and some of the roads are plowed ,can`t get off the road to play.
So ,depends on what your looking for and what distance you want to drive.
If you make it up Hollor Pass [greenwater area] you then can try for the lake at the end of the road ,there is a restroom .I took Phil there once.

[ECKSJAY]

I took Phil there once.

THAT was a blast. :) Look forward to running that one again real soon.

[2xtreme]

Acording to a guy I saw today at a Monroe Gas station Jack's Pass had 4 ft of snow on it last weekend. He was on his way back up there today again.

So, this trip to Reiter Trails this weekend for me I suspect will be my last dry land run befor a LONG list of snow runs this year.

I will post up soon with a date for the first Jack's Pass run some time in December.

Michael

[CanMan]

There is a good amount of snow out in the Greenwater area, FWIW.

And you can camp out at Buck Creek.

[workaholic]

What kind of tools/supplies do you guys usually take with you on snow runs? I haven't met up with any of you yet but I hope to be able to go on at least a couple trips in the next few months after I get some issues sorted out on my MJ.

Tom

[pSYChedXJ]

What kind of tools/supplies do you guys usually take with you on snow runs? I haven't met up with any of you yet but I hope to be able to go on at least a couple trips in the next few months after I get some issues sorted out on my MJ.

Tom

SHOVEL SHOVEL SHOVEL SHOVEL SHOVEL

http://home.comcast.net/~jdherrick/sm1504.jpg
:doh:

Let's see; here's what I used/needed in the trip pictured above: warm & waterproof clothes/boots, full set of recovery gear, sleeping stuff (just in case), flashlights w/ extra batteries, something to put under your high-lift so it doesn't sink in the snow, a SHOVEL, food & beer. Then some friends "encourage you" as you dig your Jeep out. :laugh:

Oh yeah, and a CH-47 to sling-load your Jeep out of deep holes (see above).

- Jay

[Elfwizard1975]

Is this dead? Was looking forward to an overnight Snow trip!

[CanMan]

There is a snow run on the 30th, at Jacks pass. Im going to talk to Michael about an overnight campout then, and possibly nail down a date. If you can make it to that one, I reccomend you come! It'll be fun.

[ECKSJAY]

Is this dead? Was looking forward to an overnight Snow trip!

We could use your Cloak of Flames to keep us warm.

[Elfwizard1975]

No cloak of flames, but If I can come up with a flaming sword I'll bring it.