A large group of people set out to do this hike as an unofficial effort. We started with ten people & ended up as three people that would end up doing both Madison & Adams. Per usual the forecast provided to us was overly cautious in my opinion, which is fine as I understand the idea is to ensure preparedness…The hike started just after 0730 (later than my ideal winter start time). From start to finish it snowed. At first the snow was heavier than it would end up being the rest of the day though the snow was light in volume in general. The roads were bad the whole day. The parking at Valley Way Trailhead was ample & not many people were seen the whole day. Going up Valley way the choice of traction was microspikes the whole way until about the campsite where snowshoes made travel much easier. Upon arriving at Madison Spring hut we switched back over to spikes. I brought & wore the sharper model (forget the name/difference) as under the new snow was still the ice that had formed from the thaw & refreeze last week.
It would turn out to be the best choice of traction for summitting Madison as the wind was hitting that peak directly and blowing the snow everywhere. On the way down i was made aware of my poor choice to forget goggles as my face becamse numb with the summit temperature in the teens & a wind somewhere between 30-40mph i suspect.
Back down at the hut we ate & then made the approach and eventual ascent of Adams. Adams was out of the wind, and as a result the snow was deep. The choice not to wear snowshoes up was a mistake & as a result it took longer & was harder work. I am not sure how this is the default choice for many people i come accross (much harder). In stark contrast to having my face frozen numb, at the summit of adams we were not even in the wind & it was a rewarding experience.
Snow continued to fall & I am sure the trails will be excellent going into the colder temperatures of next week.
Madison summit & party members
Adams summit & party members
Down to Madison hut from Adams and wind swept conditions