Ice trail on Clingman's Dome
mtCollinsAT.jpg
This was taken on Saturday, gale force winds, coupled with snow & ice made for a treacherous passage over Clingman's Dome.
Looks like things have gotten better from 2 weeks ago.
Fear ridges that are depicted as flat lines on a profile map.
If you click this link; http://www.naturevalleytrailview.com...dome#trail-396 it should take you to a web cam at Clingman's Dome. I could be wrong but it looks like folks are walking around in sleeveless shirts, and the weather report is showing 53 low, 76 high with rain showers. http://sophiaknows.com/atdb/weather.php That was at an elevation of 6643. Hope the rain washes the snow away by the time I hope to get there in a few weeks.Originally Posted by SunDancer
My wife and I were just down at the Smokeys for her spring break (teacher). We went to Clingman's Dome on Friday I believe (6 days ago). Every branch and pine needle on every tree was covered in ice. It was pretty neat. Several people slipped and fell on the little paved walk that actually curls around up to the look out tower. I think it was just getting warm enough to melt things during the day but at night time everything froze up again, hence all the ice.
Icy trail can ruin a thru-hike. Very easy to slip/fall and twist an ankle or screw up a knee. I was hiking the Smokies a few years ago in March and ran across similar conditions. Ice would melt through the day when in the sun, and then refreeze overnight. Add to that some recent rain or snow and the trail can become treacherous.
I had poles but no crampons and inst
Yep - there were several folks who sustained those type of injuries that weekend (April 5-7). The high winds added to the danger. The recent warm temps and approaching storm will eliminate the ice but it sure will be muddy - be safe!
Went over it this am ice is almost all gone.
Go HB and Silly Walkers!
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