Mt. Adams Spilt Board question

We're headed up to climb and ride Adams in the next week or so. The spilt boarder in our group is curious if he will need crampons or snowshoes for the steeper sections, or if the boot pack is well estabished for toe-kicking in with snow board boots....

Any suggestions or first hand knowledge?

Thanks,

Jim

Probably best to take lightweight crampons that will strap onto snowboard boots, and an iceaxe, for the upper sections. You might not need them but it's good insurance if the upper parts are firm.

Snowshoes are probably not required, but might be nice anyway for potential slushiness below the Lunch Counter at 9000 feet. Definitely have them in the car, so you can decide when you get there.

I am sure that there are some experts here that could give you advice.   But let me start this.

Where are you going on Adams?

Are you camping overnight?

If you are going higher than 9,000 feet, I would recommend crampons.

Maybe if you are in some popular area where boarders collect there might be enough folks to create a consistant step pattern, but I wouldn't count on it.  I find step patterns in steep snow fascinating.  I am always trying to figure out who made these crazy steps.  Half the time people descending wipe out the upward steps.  If only people would be polite enough not to wipe out the steps.

Above eight or nine thousand feet the snow can be walkable during the day and hard as steel at night and early morning.  conditions vary greatly.

A factoid:
www.pmru.org/pressroom/headlines/adamsrec100901.html

Trying to scare the snowboarders away from Adams, Larry?

Trying to scare the snowboarders away from Adams, Larry? 

Well... I thought I would let that little story speak for itself... For sticking up there all by itself, Adams can create some fierce weather. The photos of Adams, so beautiful, so easy to underestimate. But what a great mountain!

You also might consider using mountaineering boots instead of snowboard boots. These hike/kick steps/fit crampons much much better than snowboard boots. With most strap type bindings they ride OK too -- perhaps not as comfortable against the highback -- but you could address that by taping a little extra foam on to the highback. Be sure to check/adjust the binding fit at home -- not at Piker's Peak.