Flattop Mountain/Hallett Peak Question

[MTGOAT72]

Hey,
I'm thinking about heading up Flattop and Hallet this Sunday. I wanted some thoughts on avalanche danger along the normal route. Is the aspect of the route safe from avalanche danger or should I look elsewhere?
Thanks

[koeffling]

I (half heartedly) attempted Flattop last Saturday. There was one set of tracks that picked a questionable trail which I followed for about a mile before turning back because it was through too many trees, over boulders, and deep snow, ok- I got lazy. I'm not sure if they made it to the summit, the ridge looked fairly wind blown. Bring snowshoes, and it's always windy up there.

[moneymike]

I went up there a week ago with the http://www.skirmnp.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; group. We went up flattop via the standard route/trail and then over to Hallett. There was absolutely no avalanche danger on the route up. It is wind scoured above tree line and low angle.

We skied the SE face, which definitely has avy danger, but unless you are skiing, you don't want to take that exit.

[MTGOAT72]

I went up there a week ago with the http://www.skirmnp.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; group. We went up flattop via the standard route/trail and then over to Hallett. There was absolutely no avalanche danger on the route up. It is wind scoured above tree line and low angle.

We skied the SE face, which definitely has avy danger, but unless you are skiing, you don't want to take that exit.

Thanks for the info, sounds like that' where I'm headed this weekend.
Cheers!

[peter303]

We went up flattop via the standard route/trail and then over to Hallett. There was absolutely no avalanche danger on the route up. It is wind scoured above tree line and low angle.

Things can change quickly. A couple feet of new snow everywhere. The CAIC map is blinking red in half the ranges.

[Monster5]

As moneymike said, there is no avy hazard on the Flattop trail. CAIC ratings don't matter if there's no avalanche terrain on-route. But a reminder of avy danger in unfavorable terrain is never a bad thing, so thanks for pointing that out.

[gspup]

^ exactly.

Peter303, if you've ever been up Flattop/Hallet you would know there is no concern whatsoever.

[AlexeyD]

^ exactly.

Peter303, if you've ever been up Flattop/Hallet you would know there is no concern whatsoever.

That said, actually getting through the below-treeline portion of the trail can be a real challenge after a heavy snowfall. I've had the frustrating experience of having to abandon a winter Flattop attempt after failing miserably to find the trail, and wallowing aimlessly through many feet of unconsolidated snow.

[goobs42]

I was up there sunday, before snow hit, and there was a path was visible below tree line and pretty well compacted on way up. Made it to top of flattop along with two other guys. Above treeline was wind blown and regular trail was visible most of the time. All three of us did it without snow shoes, just micro spikes, but spent a lot of time falling through snow on the way down when it was a little softer. Was several other groups that did use snow shoes. Def windy at the top. I guess it might have changed since then.

[mrvwbug]

Is it possible to make it all the way over to Andrews Glacier in winter? Though I suspect that couloir below Andrews Tarn has some definite avy danger in winter.

[andrewrose]

Is it possible to make it all the way over to Andrews Glacier in winter? Though I suspect that couloir below Andrews Tarn has some definite avy danger in winter.

Yes, you could go all the way to Powell if motivated. I'd agree that the area below Andrews Tarn is of concern, definitely steep enough.

[MTGOAT72]

I ended up having a great day on Flattop. Thanks you to all that answered my questions. I also tried a new app out so here is a link to the GPS Track - https://www.gaiagps.com/datasummary/tra ... 363b5f2d1/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;