Feathertop 18/19th July 2015

[David M]

I am hoping to camp at Mt Feathertop, Federation Hut, in just over a week and was wondering if in anyone has an idea of what conditions to expect. I do know the general conditions to be expected, e.g. snow, cold, wind, but any idea of severity?

[andrewa]

Too difficult to predict conditions yet. There's a decent looking cold front coming through this weekend which may dump snow quite low, so , what you see today, may be very different next week. I'd probably be expecting to require skis or snowshoes to get out there.

A

[Moondog55]

Just make sure you are prepared for the worst case; just in case.
If conditions are bad just don't go up to the summit

[Lophophaps]

Could be a bit blowy - July often has poor weather. The Queen's Birthday snow and optimism has vanished. At Hotham, the current natural depth is 7-9 cm.
http://www.mthotham.com.au/all-about-ho ... report.asp
Other resorts are similar. It may be an idea to monitor these reports, and in particular how many runs are open.

[paidal_chalne_vala]

I am going up Mt Feathertop in August. There should be some snow up there by then. I have snow shoes and poles. I am looking at buying crampons and an ice axe too.

[Moondog55]

I am going up Mt Feathertop in August. There should be some snow up there by then. I have snow shoes and poles. I am looking at buying crampons and an ice axe too.

Just be aware that those are specialised tools and their use does take some knowledge and practice
That said I have only "really" needed both on the climb form the hut to the summit but the time I did it would have been impossible without them. Crampons demand a very stiff boot; even so called flexible crampons need a very stiff boot

[indiajuliet]

I was on Feathertop on Sunday the 28th of June and again this Saturday just gone.
See the photos for a comparison of how things had changed in a week.
A handful of patches of ice on the 28th starting around the Old Feathertop Hut site right up to where the MUMC track begins vs. the snowline beginning around 1200M last Saturday providing an amazing walk all the way to the top.
Vis was outstanding both days, clouds came in around lunchtime on the second day at the summit as I was leaving.
I check a snow report website for conditions at Hotham to give me a rough idea of what Feathertop will be like. I figure if there's snow at Hotham, there's a good chance there'll be snow on FT. Perhaps someone with more experience in the area can confirm or deny my "theory".....?

[Moondog55]

I see that Ubiquitous Steve has been up and stacked some firewood.
I guess weather on Hotham is a good general guide but I never expect the forecasts to be entirely accurate as it can change quickly and 24 hours can bring stuff in sp always expect the worst [ I keep saying that don't I]

[earthairfire]

Good to see what it looked like last weekend. We're planning a trip this weekend - I'll take some pics to compare!

[paidal_chalne_vala]

There is a blizzard warning for the high country this w/end ( July 11, 12th 2015) with strong winds and all.

[David M]

Any idea of Feathertop conditions for this weekend? I am ascending via Bungalow Spur and camping at Federation Hut. Thanks.

[icefest]

Good weather. Some snot on Friday but getting better during the day.

[hobbitle]

snot

Better wait till the mountain is over its cold virus then eh!


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[earthairfire]

Any idea of Feathertop conditions for this weekend? I am ascending via Bungalow Spur and camping at Federation Hut. Thanks.

Last weekend there was snow on the trail down to ~1000m. Federation hut had around 20cm of snow, and the summit was up to waist height. There was some cut wood in federation hut (but no kindling), and we met a friendly guy Geoff who had kindly brought up fresh blades for the saw.

I've chucked some pics on this thread if you want to see for yourself: http://bushwalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=20686


Tim

[David M]

Unfortunately the group leader for my trip cancelled it for everyone except the 4-6 most experienced snow walkers so I will have to try another time. Thanks for everyone's comments.

[Kolcze]

How did the trip go up Feathertop?

Im looking/ trying my hardest, to splitboard up Feathertop around Aug. 18-19th.
I have many questions, if anyone feels happy to answer;
1. Which is the dangerous aspect i.e. avalanche prone, of the mountain?
2. Can anyone recommend where my friend and i can hire backcountry gear (transceivers, probes, hiking shovels, tent, splitboards)???
3. If we skin up Razorback & down Spur to Harrietville, would this be a smart route for two snowboarders???
4. Would anyone, especially who knows the mountain, like to join us for 2-3 days of shredding backcountry???
KaPOW!!!

[jdeks]

1/ Historically most accidents up there have been cornice-related. The west side is fairly stable and tends not to build up powder, but is at the primo 30-35 avalanche angle and gets the afternoon sun. Don't be silly and stay off it in the afternoon after heavy dumps and you'll be fine. People climb up from MUMC hut all the time. East side is steeper and rockier, even has a section named "avalanche gully". I'm no skiier, I don't know the risks of that side but it does get more powder. I imagine if yiu went down too early after a good snow youd be asking for trouble, but I have seen tracks going off the side...how they get back *up*, I have no idea.

2/Bogong gear in Melbourne.

3/skiing up razorback is definitely possible just be aware there a bit of uphill and downhill. Skiing down to harrietville would be slow, its a windy tight trail with typically a bit of treefall, and youll probably have to carry the skis for the LST half, due to lack of snow.

4/ I go up Feathertop twice each winter usually so I know the mountain a little.But I usually opt for snowshoes because I'm in and out of skiiable areas when I hike. I'd be keen for a trip, but Ive literally never skiied or snowboarded, so I'm guessing I'm not really who you're after.

How did the trip go up Feathertop?

Im looking/ trying my hardest, to splitboard up Feathertop around Aug. 18-19th.
I have many questions, if anyone feels happy to answer;
1. Which is the dangerous aspect i.e. avalanche prone, of the mountain?
2. Can anyone recommend where my friend and i can hire backcountry gear (transceivers, probes, hiking shovels, tent, splitboards)???
3. If we skin up Razorback & down Spur to Harrietville, would this be a smart route for two snowboarders???
4. Would anyone, especially who knows the mountain, like to join us for 2-3 days of shredding backcountry???
KaPOW!!!

[Lophophaps]

Kolcze

The best slopes for skiing and boarding are on the west side, mainly The Razorback. Be careful of The Razorback where you have to traverse steepish slopes. After a few days of no snow, sun making an icy layer and a new fall, the new snow may come off in a windslab. It's a fair way down - and up.

One slope to avoid is the south fall of the summit. You may have seen the Tom Kneen Track to MUMC. Tom died about 30 years ago when the summit cornice gave way. Tom was a very experienced bushwalker - the mountains don't pick and choose. The south fall is steep, rocky and narrow, good for ice climbing in the right conditions but in general not for descents on skis. It's quite scary climbing in those gullies with a cornice overhead.

I have no idea where you can hire the gear you cite. It may be that if you need that much gear you should not be there. One item to consider taking is an avo cord. This is fixed to the waist and marked off every few metres with a number. If you get caught in an avo the red cord will hopefully be visible and the numbers show which way to dig. Take extra fuel for melting snow. Mobile phone reception is fair to good with line of sight to the valley and Hotham.

The Razorback is not too long but it is exposed with only a handful of really sheltered campsites if the weather turns. The skiing is slightly technical in places and you will not be able to follow parts of the track - too steep, too narrow. Snow shoes might be easier. Descent from Federation Hut on the Bungalow track skis is hard, also steepish and narrow.

I've skied The Razorback and Feathertop a few times, and in my declining years - over 25 - see no need to repeat the experience. Lovely mountain in good weather.

[paidal_chalne_vala]

Hi
I have had to self arrest with just a ski pole :-0 off the side of the razorback in spring snow while walking in snow shoes. The cornices on the razorback can be quite big so best to stay away from them too b/c the razor back is quite steep going D O W N .Since all the trees were burnt on the razor back there is no shelter really.
I am taking a VNPA snow shoe hiker group up the Bungalow spur to Fed. hut on Aug. 15th . We'll snow camp at the hut area . Some of the hikers are hiring snow shoe trekking / snow camping gear from Bogong equipment in the city. The snow forecast looks like deep snow is possible and a slow slog up the last part of the route. I have had to buy new floatation fins for my snow shoes for pack carry trips b/c I lost one on Mt Stirling .
If the weather is settled and clear on Sunday we'll try for the summit , again steering clear of the big cornice up there. If it is windy, super icy , foggy or just a feral blizzard /white out then just forget it. We shall just head back down the Bungalow spur. I am always super cautious in the Vic Alps in winter.

[Kolcze]

Thanks for all the updates on Feathertop. My chances of committing to this snowboarding adventure are now 90% there after today. I picked up a friends splitboard, poles, winter tent, snow shovel, transceiver & probe. All the stuff i once had, but sold over the years living here in Byron Bay.
So the plan is to stay in my cousin's caravan in Harrietville (brrrrr), catch bus up to Razorback ridge in the morning. Skin up to Federation Hut (with possible shredding some lines on the way), setup camp. We'll stay for one or two night, snowboarding two or three days (weather dependent). I do intend on boarding the East & SE facing slopes (steps), negotiating the cornices and obvious dangers. The challenge i face is, i have experience with transceivers and step lines. Yet my partner, has limited to no experience with this and will not be riding the same lines as i. The plan is he will watch from another aspect and be within 2 way radio contact. He will take a mellow line with similar destination point. Id love for another experienced skier/ boarder to join us, yet will continue with caution either way.
Our departure is looking like mid next week, arriving in Melbourne this Saturday.
This website - http://snowsense.net.au/ has reported minimal avalanche danger last week to Dangerous conditions currently, after hoar frost smashed the mountain for two days. Boooo. But conditions are changing daily. Ill be checking this webite before heading out and boarding accordingly.

This was written yesterday;
Feathertop 'In the field' Observations: Fresh in from 'The Enigma', the word is that Feathertop is not a 'bomber' as what we have seen only 10km away at Mt Hotham. The snow is 'sticky and heavy'. A Rushblock test on the South East aspect failed on 'Jump' on the bed surface from last weekend around 35cm down. The same dust on crust that was observed is prevalent where on wind affected scours, presumably sitting beneath the deposition on the tail end of the last dump. See obs below. That said, both the South East and North west aspects have been traversed (skied / boarded) and nothing pulled out (except some big sticky death cookies). So the assumption is that the bridging is strong. This will only increase overnight with the clear sky and low temps. Take care out there people,


My contact details for any experienced adventurer wishing to join the journey - 0408 675 598 CHa:D

[Kolcze]

These are the lines another skier/ boarder have ridden, they are the similar lines i wish to shred. Is there anyone familiar with this aspect?

[jdeks]

Prety sure one of those routes is literally called Avalanche Gully...a guy died skiing that in 2011.Actually, its wasn't "a guy" - it was Graeme Nelson, one of the veterans of that area.

Maybe the lack of 'experienced' skiers willing to "shred" with you says something about what their wisdom is telling them?

But hey, sounds like you're going to go do it anyway, regardless of anyones advice...

Let us know how it goes.


PS - last I checked, there ain't no bus from harrietville to "Razorback". It goes to Hotham village. Hope you enjoy carrying that board, its a good couple of Ks back down the road to the trailhead.

[Lophophaps]

There is indeed a route called Avalanche Gully, quite steep; we used ropes, but that was going up. Tom Kneen died in one of those gullies. The bus may stop at the Razorback, but it's not certain. There used to be a rule that there were designated stops and that's all. One option may be to take a chair lift up Hotham and slide down to Diamantina Hut. This is off piste, steep, generally open, and mainly west-facing. Walking on the road is dangerous at the best of times, more so in winter.

[Kolcze]

Thanks guys for your comments and feedback. I don't mean to sound ignorant or a head strong tosser, its just i have a goal that id like to full fill. Im taking your advice on board, and understanding ill make decisions according to the conditions on the day. I'll look to make the wisest decision at the time. My ability was up for this some years ago and im sure still is. I know people have ridden the gullies in mention & i hear one or two have died. I don't wish to die, i don't wish to get injured yet if its on i want to shred Aust. best slopes this country has to offer. Ive waited 14 years for the chance, since first putting my eyes on Feathertop. Fingers crossed i can see it through. And yes its not ideal my hiking partner is not at the same level, and i will have to take this into consideration i.e. safe meeting point at the bottom of slope, two different descents. I first wrote to this forum seeking another experienced hiker/ shredder & for knowledge. Im grateful to have received some knowledge. I leave today, flying into Melb. and shall be staying in a caravan in Harrietville. If you read this and want to join us, call - 0408 675 598. Cheers

[paidal_chalne_vala]

My hiking group and I had a good time up at Fed. hut last weekend(15,16/8/15). Some of them summited Mt FT but I decided against it. It was very foggy up there and icy. In fact crampons would have been better than snow shoes up there, so I left it for another time with better visibility and better gear.
The sight of Mt FT standing at the Razorback junction in full snow is amazing.
The weather was generally not too bad. The snow shoes came off the packs and onto the feet at about 1270 M. elevation up the Bungalow track . I think I might snow shoe trek the Razorback soon before the snow starts to melt in Spring. My new winter sleeping bag was toasty warm.

[Hishy P]

What's the razorback like in winter to snow shoe through? Can it get particularly risky in any conditions?

[north-north-west]

Of course it can. It's Alpine, and pretty exposed. Weather blows up while you're out there it can get very nasty if you aren't prepared.
Beautiful, and well worth the effort, but.

[Hishy P]

Beautiful. Now, what do you mean by prepared? I am confident I am prepared unless it comes to precarious cornices or steep ice because I won't have crampons.

[north-north-west]

By 'prepared' I mean clothing, food and emergency shelter.

[paidal_chalne_vala]

I am heading out across the Razorback from Dimantina hut on 5,6/9/15. It will be spring conditions so there will be some melt age and some bare spots here and there but still a full snow gear hike and camp at Fed. hut .Wish me luck with the good weather angels.
I was out on the Razorback in snow on the last weekend in August 2013. There were still some big cornices up there and some deep drifts as well as bald patches . It is steep so make sure you can self arrest if need be.