Snow

[Mother Natures Son]

We are to get hit with a major snow storm here in South Central PA. What is the best way to hike through snow? (post hole or something else)

[Bearpaw]

Wait for someone else to posthole through first and let them pack it down for you.

[HiKen2011]

Wait for someone else to posthole through first and let them pack it down for you.

Second that or stay in where it's warm.

[Jaybird62]

Drive a plow truck through it!!!!

[TIDE-HSV]

Wait for someone else to posthole through first and let them pack it down for you.

I had to laugh about that. Once, I hiked up Anthony Creek to Spence field in January in powder up to our crotches at the top. I had under-sized snowshoes (I tried to sell them to anybody at the shelter), and when my mates behind me would try to follow, they'd break through. After the Christmas snow, this is what it looks like now in north Alabama:

[Toolshed]

We are to get hit with a major snow storm here in South Central PA. What is the best way to hike through snow? (post hole or something else)

If it is over a foot deep and either wet heavy snow, windblown drifts or crusting , I'd say snowshoes or ski's - especially if you are breaking trail. It is a lot of work though. If it is drier powder you could probably just plod through it, depending on how many miles you plan on doing. What you don't want is long distances postholing through deep snow. Very tiring and a good way to stretch or tear your groin or thigh muscles

[Roland]

We are to get hit with a major snow storm here in South Central PA. What is the best way to hike through snow? (post hole or something else)

The decision whether or not to use snowshoes is a function of:

1. The depth of the snow
2. The texture and moisture content of the snow
3. The terrain under the snow

Toolshed's response sums it up best. Go with that.

[fiddlehead]

Wait for someone else to posthole through first and let them pack it down for you.

That's exactly how we did it with the Sherpas in Nepal.
We took turns in the lead and it was hard to stay up there after 15 minutes or so.
We found that switching leaders every 8-10 minutes worked the best.
Of course it depends how deep the snow is.

The snow in that picture with the round table wouldn't need much work to get through.

[sheepdog]

snow mobile..............