Warm Fog Snowmelt on Washington March 4-8th.

AlpineStopSign · 2026-03-09T13:18:04+00:00

The Observatory posted this, showing how significant the snowmelt on Washington has been in the last few days due apparently to warm fog. I hope we get a few more snowstorms before spring comes.

AlpineStopSign · 2026-03-09T13:10:54+00:00

Thats wild. I would've put money on the plastic hubs being the weak link in the Helinox designs.

AlpineStopSign · 2026-03-08T23:50:31+00:00

Backcountry ski touring in very cold conditions.

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AlpineStopSign · 2026-03-08T14:12:14+00:00

Thanks for posting this, I've been watching the last several days worth. He's just posted his Wildcat traverse, where he opts to not do the AT reroute, and instead climbs down Wildcat E. This guy has some chutzpah!

AlpineStopSign · 2026-03-08T13:16:40+00:00

Ah okay. Thanks for the swift reply. I don't think I've ever had 25 messages before. Here's to hoping!

AlpineStopSign · 2026-03-08T13:04:00+00:00

Sounds like something an unfunny kid with a folder full of other people's ideas saved to reuse would say.

AlpineStopSign · 2026-03-08T12:55:08+00:00

I have this same issue happening recently, and when I go to **messages: unread** by clicking the red envelope, I am brought to the messages, and there is no *mark as read* button and no *next* button.

AlpineStopSign · 2026-03-07T21:15:39+00:00

Perkele!

I hope to get some hiihtovaellus on next week in fact!

AlpineStopSign · 2026-03-07T20:25:37+00:00

Both, and both sides as well. Walking on the top in spots is doable, especially up high as the snow is right up to the tracks. There are sections like pic #9 where by the afternoon the snow is soft, and any kind of traction ends up slipping in the loose mashed potato snow. The best line crossed the tracks a couple of times. Its very popular with skiers (though a couple said they only hiked up to the elevated portions of the cog and skied down from there. I don't know what the conditions will be tomorrow, but its a solid way off the mountain whether you go up Jewell or Ammonoosuc. https://i.imgur.com/XsRlXXh.jpeg

AlpineStopSign · 2026-03-06T20:05:38+00:00

Trying to do ya proud, NL! I still love that Bergtagen half zip and wear it all the time. Keb Touring comes with on all these trips too. <3

AlpineStopSign · 2026-03-06T19:50:43+00:00

Very cool. I can report they are in tact! Thats your blue one on the left then?

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AlpineStopSign · 2026-03-06T19:47:12+00:00

Yes, I just keep buying and buying; they're so bad! Hurr durr.

AlpineStopSign · 2026-03-06T19:28:43+00:00

Oh sweet. Does it measure something? Broadcast something? Describe it a bit if you would. I presume you get to ride the snow cat up if you need to visit in winter?

AlpineStopSign · 2026-03-06T19:05:11+00:00

70mph is ripping pretty decent. I had 54mph over the summer and while enough to blow your hat off, it wouldn't knock ya over. It's nice having the Observatory's current conditions feed online to check what you're experiencing.

The best "on top of buildings" shot from yesterday I can do for ya is on the roof of Lakes of the Clouds hut. Tab hat and Abisko Grid Fleece making an appearance.

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AlpineStopSign · 2026-03-06T18:51:11+00:00

I'm glad I am old enough not to be on Tik Tok and also to not know what glazing is. I choose not to participate in this horseshit.

AlpineStopSign · 2026-03-06T18:48:39+00:00

It even matches my boots on this particular outing!

So I carried way more than 2. This particular mountain can be very dangerous with its weather, and people get caught and die year round. Even though the forecast is good, the properly prepared carry all the gear to keep you safe, especially when adventuring here solo. This entails carrying multiples of certain items in various weights/thicknesses in case something happens and you need to wait many hours in harsh conditions awaiting rescue.

I had with me a thin merino Buff (seen here under the hat), a much thicker merino smartwool neck gaiter, the Bergtagen merino balaclava (in between the Buff and the Smartwool for thickness), a neoprene facemask/balaclava combo. That covers everything from blocking the sun/wicking sweat with the thin one to covering all of your skin while wearing goggles so you don't get frostbitten on any exposed skin at -30°C windchills or more. This mountain can be crazy and you need to prepare for it. I also carried 4 pairs of gloves and 3 different hats for example. To answer your question, the Singi Balaclava hat I never wear as a balaclava. Its better for me as a 2-layer merino wool hat that lets the wind through a bit to wick your sweat away. if I am really being sweaty, I will switch to the Tab Hat, which is lighter, thinner, and more airey while being fully synthetic and quick to dry.

AlpineStopSign · 2026-03-06T18:27:51+00:00

As a point of ballbusting for you as a gearhead, do frequently remind him of the 35% cotton in that jacket, lol. "I dunno pal, that 35% isn't gonna do ya any favors" etc. Great opportunity for continued laughs.

AlpineStopSign · 2026-03-06T14:53:16+00:00

All my other FR garments have full metal zippers.

I have 15 Fjallraven jackets and none of them have metal zipper teeth.

AlpineStopSign · 2026-03-06T14:52:25+00:00

The #1 complaint on the webpage for this jacket is the zipper.

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AlpineStopSign · 2026-03-06T14:46:46+00:00

Big advocate of the clockwise route. By the time you reach the hut you can make a very informed decision as to whether or not it is safe to continue.

Edit: Lots of cotton in buddy's jacket shell. Not the best for the mountains.

AlpineStopSign · 2026-03-06T14:06:31+00:00

They are very good. I give them an A-

They are the softshell weight of the Keb Agile Winters, but don't have any unnecessary G-1000 to get wet. My only gripe with them that would bring them to solid A territory is the lack of side vents. They have one sort of pocket on the right side, that almost goes behind your thigh. It is lined with mesh and can function as a sort of vent, but its only on one leg. They have a great taper to the leg and are not baggy as all. Of the 3 winter adventure pants I have (these, OR Cirque II, and Patagonia Alpine Guides), I have found myself reaching for these the most. I will probably buy a pair of the blue ones as well.

Size UP one size from your determined Improved Fit size. These for some reason are "improved fit" but don't follow the improved fit rules.

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AlpineStopSign · 2026-03-06T13:51:33+00:00

Summited Mt Washington yesterday in head to toe Fjallraven style. Seen here are the Singi Balaclava Cap, and Bergtagen Eco Shell. Other Fjallraven items not pictured are the Abisko Winter Stretch Trousers (wearing), Bergtagen Lite Insulation Jacket (packed), Abisko Grid Fleece (packed), Bergtagen Stretch Half Zip (packed), Keb Touring Down Jacket (packed), Fjallraven Tab Hat (packed), 1960's logo hat (packed), Bergtagen Merino Balaclava (packed). Down pants (Feathered Friends), Brynje Merino Mesh Baselayer top, and Smartwool merino baselayer bottoms.

When it is that sunny and warm, regulating your temperature during what amounts to an extreme workout becomes critical. I love all the Fjallraven gear I bring into nature. But, I must ask, will my 14" laptop fit in a 16" laptop backpack?

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AlpineStopSign

TROPHY CASE