winter backcountry stay...

[llawhsoj]

Hey everyone, so I'm going to go up with a group of friends to do some overnight stays (4 nights) with folks in the middle of Jan. Anyway, two questions, we are thinking about staying at bushnell falls (and will have anywhere from 4-8 folks, its still a ways away.) Anyway, is there enough room there? Is there somewhere else that would be better for a group of our size? We were also thinking about digging a snow shelter, would that be possible there?
Also, we were going to base camp there and play around, does this seem like a good place? Any other recomendations??? Thanks folks!

-llawhsoj

[llawhsoj]

By snow shelter we are talking about building a quanze (or however its spelled)

[oldsmores]

...Anyway, is there enough room there? Is there somewhere else that would be better for a group of our size? We were also thinking about digging a snow shelter, would that be possible there?
Also, we were going to base camp there and play around, does this seem like a good place? ...

Not sure what you mean by enough room? Are you planning on staying in the leantos? If so, 4 - 8 will be fine. As I recall, there is probably enough room to set up a few tents near the lean to site.
You're chances of digging a snow shelter is highly dependent on snow pack at the time. Also, because it's a popular spot, you may have to get off the beaten track to find a good spot.
Also not sure what you mean by "play around". Might want to think about close to JBL - they have a warming hut, and a lot of trails end up there.

[llawhsoj]

I think the biggest thing is having some flexibility, I just wanted to make sure that there was enough room at the lean to, and room to dig a quincy if necessary, but also room to set up tents.

By playing around, we are planning on tackling some peaks along the way, we know we want to hit Marcy, but otherwise just some fun peaks to bag is all we are out to do...

[percious]

FYI Marcy is no small task in mid-january. Expect temps below zero. 2 years ago I planned a trip for mid-january only to turn back because at -30 our stoves stopped working, and we had no way to make water. (we made it as far as bushnell falls) You will probably also want to make sure everyone has crampons, as Marcy can be a sheet of ice that time of year. A good bail out plan if the weather is *that* cold is to stay at one of the hostel's in the area and tackle Cascade and Porter or Street and Nye. I would say leave your options open, and be safe. I would also say for a large group that Marcy dam may be a better rally point, because you have Marcy/Phelps/McIntyres all within shouting distance.

-percious

[Boreal Chickadee]

Quinzee building

http://www.call-wild.com/quinzee.html

do a search on VFFT- recently there was a thread aboaut igloos and quinzees