Monroe Brook and Dodge's Drop

[jmbsailing]

Hi,

I am looking for information about Monroe Brook and Dodge’s Drop. I have done some winter hiking, but am looking to get into something a little more technical. I don’t think I am ready for Huntington’s, but am just looking for a fun alpine ascent. Any suggestions would be appreciated. As far as weather and conditions, I am planning this trip for March.

I have some experience winter climbing including Mt Washington (climbing the sluice to the summit and skiing in tucks). I’ve also summited Lafayette last year and Adams via the Airway Trail earlier this year. I have also climbed the pinnacle buttress in Huntington Ravine in summer.

Thanks!

[EricJ]

You'll have plenty of skiers keeping you company in March. You could stay at the Hermit Lake shelters. See these sites for info.

http://www.tuckerman.org/

http://www.outdoors.org/lodging/camp...ke-shelter.cfm

[Bill O]

Dodge's drop would be a fun climb. Steep, plenty of exposure, but not technical. Although, a fall might have serious consequences.

My only suggestion is to watch out for descending skiers and avalanches. Even a small slide could take you over some rocks.

[Bill O]

I'm not familiar with Monroe Brook. Is that they skiable gully coming off Monroe on the northwest slope?

[jmbsailing]

Ya...It branches off of the ammonoosuc ravine trail. I've read alot about skiing it but figured it might be a good ascent too. Doesn't look as steep as Dodge's though...

[jmbsailing]

Also avy is definately a concern for both routes...March would be the earliest I could go to avoid as much of that as possible...right?

[EricJ]

There are still plenty of avalanches in March. Pay attention to the avalanche advisories and you'll do fine. Or you could wait a month or so and dodge Buick sized ice blocks.

[jmbsailing]

Sounds good - would Febuary work as well?

[EricJ]

February is extreme !

March and April are OK, just heed whether the avalanche advisory is Moderate or High. Low you go.

Check in with the AMC before you do.They will fill you in with the latest.
Go through these sites:
http://www.outdoors.org/ <AMC
http://www.tuckerman.org/avalanche/index.html
http://www.tuckerman.org/weather/weather.htm


.

[Bill O]

Sounds good - would Febuary work as well?

In terms of avalanches I wouldn't think about this on a monthly basis. Low means the same in April as it does in January. True, things tend to settle out faster in the spring than in the winter, but these calls need to based on the individual day, not the month.

For planning purposes you are better off going in late March into May depending on how the snow holds up. Statistically you are going to have more coverage, better weather and lower avalanche risk. What you get on any particular day though is a shot in the dark.

Not to mention the days are much longer that time of year.