It has been a while since I have been out snowshoing so I wanted to do something different. Snowshoeing up the center moraine of White River was offered several times in the past by Marty on Mazama snowshoes but we could never do it as the ice bridge over the creek had not formed. This time I went out and found a good ice bridge over the creek and head up the moraine to a point where loose rock, steep loose snow and high winds made me wish I had climb gear so that was where I turned around. Next time I will wear my climb boots and take and ice ax.
Here is a photo easy of the trek.
Starting out up White River from an almost empty parking lot. Clear skies and just a few gust of wind.
Going out I took the high rim trail. There was a nice 3 to 4 foot base of snow. I went on a packed trail that was a little crunchy and going off trail sank in about six inches.
Good trail all the way up to the lower juntions. I was in exposed sun all day and this time was smart enough to put sunscreen on at the parking lot.
Thanks to the pack trail I made good time. I had the place all to my self even at nine in the morning.
I made it to the lower junction in pretty good time. To the left is the usual route to White River Overlook. To the right it is off to the center moraine or over to Full Moon Falls. The center moraine is the ridge in the forground that swings to the left of photo and then curves back around to Hood. The hill in the center blocks the view of where I will end up.
This is the route to the left that goes up the hill to White River Overlook.
Looking back to my tracks where I found plenty of ice bridge to get across the creek and on to the center moraine.
From the center moraine looking up to Hood. I will curve left of photo then head right as I climbed up the moraine.
This is looking over to Full Moon Falls that was follow but was almost completely covered by snow. A couple of young back-country skiers went this route and made better time then I did. I may have to try that route next.
Making my way up the moraine. The ridge that ended up being my stopping point is just coming in to view.
Looking back down at White River and where I have come from.
I continue to get higher. I huge the ridge top most of the way and it gave firm snow so not much sinking in.
Heading up to the last two trees on the center moraine. The stream on the left was flowing and had many open spot where you could see the water. From here I could see how this could lead right up to White River Glacier and even make a loop by crossing the glacier at a spot with no cravases or going to the right and back down the far right stream.
Looking up the far left channel of White River. The sides do not look that steep in this photo but when you are standing on top looking down it looks pretty steep. I also had the feeling it would make a perfect avalanche chute.
Highest tree on the route and lots of snow. On the way back down I had thought I would stop here for lunch but by the time I was coming back the crowds had arrived and there were already three guys here with a very nasty barking dog.
Continuing up the mountain. I was getting a little wind at this point but not bad.
A little higher and a good view of White River Glacier and looking into the crater of Mt. Hood. This where I also started running into more exposed rock and less good snow.
From here up I got high enough to see Jefferson and all the way down to the Three Sisters.
Higher up and rocky ridge ahead.
On the top left of the photo you can see snow blowing.
Getting higher and closer to the rocks.
Surprise to find bob cats tracks or mini snow leopard. It was running the ridge like I was doing so I followed its tracks for a ways.
Higher up and getting closer to the rocks. The wind is picking up and you can see the snow blowing on the left.
The wind build nice corniss with plenty of evidence of it breaking off and falling into the canyon. One of the reasons I like to stay on the ridges.
Looking back down the far west canyon of White River.
Another photo of Jefferson and the sisters.
Looking back at the ridge I have been running.
I came off the one ridge and you can see my track over to the next ridge. I had to go up through a little rock at the top but got back on snow quickly.
I ran out of snow when I hit these rocks. I could not go down around them as it was steep and there was two inches of soft snow over almost ice so now good traction with my snowshoes. I was standing there thinking of taking my snowshoes off and scrambling over the rocks when the wind really picked up and I started getting sand blasted. So it only took two and half hour to get to this spot so an earlier turn around time then I wanted but I was just not in the mood for this wind.
A look at the wind blowing over the ridge. The wind was forming snow devils in the canyon.
Close up of the crater. At this point it starts having less the feel of a snowshoe and more of a climb so next time I will bring climb boots and ice ax.
Looking at my return route. I just feel so much safer up on a ridge.
Looking over to Meadows.
Over some rocks and then back on snow. The rock were getting warm causing the snow melt fast. It was like crossing a big muddy rocky mess.
Heading back down.
Heading back down the ridge.
At this point I ventured a little ways into the canyon for some photos. This one looking back up a Hood.
Looking up at the other side of the canyon. To me it looks like a lot of snow that can fall on you. Certainly at avalanche angle with cornice ice on top. I did not did a pit to check condition but just stayed way from it.
Looking dow the canyon.
Back up on the ridge and looking up at Hood.
Looking down the white River as I move lower.
A snowy view of Hood.
Getting lower and another view of White River. At this point I was starting to see hundreds of little dark forms moving around and I know I will be battling the crowds heading back.
Just an interesting shots. Ski tracks on the right and foot tracks on the left. Some one paid for their turns.
Shadowing under the cornice at White River Overlook. This is way we keep folks well away from the edge when we do snowshoes up there.
Back down the the junction and many more tracks in the snow from when I went through here in the morning.
I drop off the ridge trail and when down through the flats heading back.
Looking back up at Hood and getting close to the parking lot.
Lots of track down here.
Almost to the car.
The sledders were out enjoying the snow.
Back to the parking lot. Fairly full but not packed. On the trail for only five hours and back to the car by two so not a very long snowshoe.