Snow Distance Factor

imported
#1

I recently returned from a week of schlepping through snow on the AT in SW Virginia. I hiked 61 miles but it felt like 100! As I walked through an average base of 8 inches of virgin snow and waded through thigh-high drifts in some places, I’ve decided that we need a “snow distance” factor similar to the “wind chill factor.” If the latter tells us that 20 degree temperatures with X level gusts of wind translated into 0 degrees, why can’t the scientific nerds develop something that for example says that hiking 12 miles with average depth of 8 inches and 1/4 mile of drifts averaging 2 feet translates into hiking 16 miles? Of course, you also consider snow density (wet & heavy vs. dry powder) and perhaps the size of the person since snow depth is absolute not relative. What do you think?

Cookerhiker

#2

…I think my brain just exploded.

Leki-Less

#3

I think we should also take into consideration pack weight and shoe size. And would it be different for up and down hill. I mean, going downhill in powder snow really isn’t bad but the uphill is harder. And yes, the powder snow is less of a problem, giving less resistance. The old sort of frozen over snow is way more frustrating. Also, having to look for blazes and thus spending more time navigating can be an important factor. I sure hope I won’t have to hike in no more snow :girl

Apple Pie

#4

I think we should also take into consideration pack weight and shoe size. And would it be different for up and down hill. I mean, going downhill in powder snow really isn’t bad but the uphill is harder. And yes, the powder snow is less of a problem, giving less resistance. The old sort of frozen over snow is way more frustrating. Also, having to look for blazes and thus spending more time navigating can be an important factor. I sure hope I won’t have to hike in no more snow :x

Apple Pie

#5

Oops! I thought that first one didn’t go through. Oh well…

Apple Pie

#6

I was in Shenandoah March 6-11 and remember breaking quite a bit of trail myself. I too did 61 miles, is it possible we did the same hike?

Shane

#7

I was much further southwest than you were. I hiked from Atkins/Groseclose/I81 to Rt. 42 (12 miles) and from Rt. 615 to Pearisburg (49 miles).

Cookerhiker

#8

x(g-20) x f(t+6) : 12b= f(4d+7/67)

calculus