When do you carry an ice axe?

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-wren-
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Re: When do you carry an ice axe?

Post by -wren- »

Considering unconsolidated snow…I was carrying an axe when I took a short (30-40 feet) but scary and unexpected slide down a 45-50 degree slope loaded with 6-18 inches of late november snow on Ellingwood Ridge. Knew how to self arrest but was mostly carrying it to clear snow off of stuff. It was a Hail Mary, but I was in position fast and it caught an edge on the rock underneath. might have saved my life, so now when I carry it in conditions that don’t provide for good self arrests, it’s not just to clear snow and keep balance. I consider it an essential snow safety tool on steeper terrain regardless of season, but it’s definitely a Hail Mary and not one that I ever want to throw again.
Skimo95
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Re: When do you carry an ice axe?

Post by Skimo95 »

I carry it whenever I have the chance to scream WEEEEE
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Boggy B
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Re: When do you carry an ice axe?

Post by Boggy B »

Skimo95 wrote: Sat May 21, 2022 10:42 am I carry it whenever I have the chance to scream WEEEEE
Ding ding ding!
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Re: When do you carry an ice axe?

Post by SchralpTheGnar »

Involuntary colonoscopy
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Re: When do you carry an ice axe?

Post by -wren- »

SchralpTheGnar wrote: Sun May 22, 2022 11:50 am Involuntary colonoscopy
+1
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Re: When do you carry an ice axe?

Post by AndrewLyonsGeibel »

I carry one when I want to look cool. Really adds to the Instagram cred.
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