Frenchmans Cap

[southcol]

Hello,

New to this forum, I have a few days at the end of a business trip next week and I have been planning a trip into Frenchmans Cap. I have a lot of experience in the mountains. I am just after peoples opinion on the weather forecast for next weekend and if it would be worthwhile doing the trip (i have to plan extra car hire, flights etc)

Wx forecast for Lake St Clair from BOM friday, Sat, Sunday is max 12, min 0, a few showers, westerly winds up to 30km/h. Am I looking at the best weather report ? would people generally head out in that (well equipped)

Thanks

Colin

[Strider]

First welcome to the forum.

To me, that forecast sounds reasonable. However, I would be reluctant to say either way without any knowledge of your abilities or equipment level. Are you skilled and equipped appropriately for the possibility of snow and sub-zero temperatures?

[southcol]

Hi

Thanks for getting back. I have around 15 years mountaineering experience, my current fitness level is good. I'm not planning on any extra equipment for snow/sub zero temps other than 4 season down bag and appropriate clothing.

i haven't been out to Frenchmans Cap before, I am planning on a recce of the rock climbing routes for later in the year. I was after an interpretation of the weekends forecast from a local or regular walker to that region.

BTW is the new track officially open ? I am also debating on wether to pack my GPS, is the track obvious to follow in a white out/mist ?

[Strider]

Hi

Thanks for getting back. I have around 15 years mountaineering experience, my current fitness level is good. I'm not planning on any extra equipment for snow/sub zero temps other than 4 season down bag and appropriate clothing.

i haven't been out to Frenchmans Cap before, I am planning on a recce of the rock climbing routes for later in the year. I was after an interpretation of the weekends forecast from a local or regular walker to that region.

BTW is the new track officially open ? I am also debating on wether to pack my GPS, is the track obvious to follow in a white out/mist ?

A map and compass and a tent are essential.

That weather forecast is reasonable, but keep in mind the area experiences rapid changes in weather. It can literally be four seasons in one day. Prepare for anything and everything.

The new track is open but I haven't walked it as yet.

[Hallu]

You should look at the predictions for the entire Western area, and depending on the winds, it could be either of those. "A few showers" is the most common and vague forecast you'll see : I've had fine sunny days with a few non-bursting clouds, or big showers lasting for hours. The only thing you can be almost sure of is that it won't be a storm, and it won't be clear blue skies, that's all.

[southcol]

Hi

Re: the tent, I have a good tent but I was guessing this time of year I could squeeze into the hut(s) and take a bivvy bag for an emergency..

[Strider]

Hi

Re: the tent, I have a good tent but I was guessing this time of year I could squeeze into the hut(s) and take a bivvy bag for an emergency..

Sounds like a good option

[Strider]

The only thing you can be almost sure of is that it won't be a storm, and it won't be clear blue skies, that's all.

You can't even be sure of that on the West Coast...

[Hallu]

Hence the "almost" =)

[southcol]

Looks like forecast has deteriorated! Rain Friday, 40km/h winds. Is the walk to Vera hut very exposed? I was thinking of heading as far as Vera Friday, sitting tight and pushing on sat afternoon when it clears?

[Mowser]

Sounds like a good plan. The main exposure occurs between the baron pass and tahune. The walk in to Vera shouldn't be too much of a worry, regardless of weather. Having not seen the new section of track as yet i can't comment on that. I have been to frenchmans more times than i can remember and at all times of year you can't predict what it's going to be like weather wise until you're there. More often than not i get complete white out conditions on top and have only had views up there on a few occasions. Still, it's one of my favourite tassie walks with Fed and Anne. I normally check weather forecasts for queenstown, strahan and lake st clair. This time of year it's not too crowded (and you could be the only one out there) so the huts are a good option. Bivvy is good back up. If you have the time up your sleeve and there isn't an almighty ferocious storm on the way i would recommend going (prepared for snow). Enjoy!

[ILUVSWTAS]

If u done "wot u say" then tassie got nothing mo'fo

u be fine, enjoy

[Strider]

If u done "wot u say" then tassie got nothing mo'fo

u be fine, enjoy

Been drinking mate? Your last two posts make absolutely no sense

[Taurë-rana]

If u done "wot u say" then tassie got nothing mo'fo

u be fine, enjoy

Been drinking mate? Your last two posts make absolutely no sense

He made perfect sense, keep up Strider!
If you've done what you say you have, then Tassie hasn't got anything will cause you any problems mother um, mate.
You'll be fine, enjoy your trip.

[ILUVSWTAS]

If u done "wot u say" then tassie got nothing mo'fo

u be fine, enjoy

Been drinking mate? Your last two posts make absolutely no sense

He made perfect sense, keep up Strider!
If you've done what you say you have, then Tassie hasn't got anything will cause you any problems mother um, mate.
You'll be fine, enjoy your trip.

Perfect Rachel, thanks

[southcol]

Hi

Thanks to all for advice. Walked in easily to Vera hut in just under 4 hours. New track is good, still needs hardening in places. Went up to Lake tahune following day in about 3 hours, it was slow going with snow down to Lake vera and ankle deep+ snow above Baron Pass. Still no problem, easy to navigate with track markers etc. Tahune hut was -4 at midday, decided against the summit due to ice and 60km/h + winds and very poor visibility. Good trip, I suffered horrendous blisters to both heels (unusual fro me) and had to walk out from Vera on tip toes. Also discovered my 15 year old goretex is no longer waterproof. Will be back to climb Chimes of freedom or Sydney route. Cheers Colin

[3rd weekender]

Two of of us went to Fenchmans on Wed 8th of may we had three days of perfect weather sun burnt on way out. New track excellent a bit soft on some of the new section but will settle with time. Some may still have boardwalk work to done.A small section at the start of boggy part to be finished soon exscavator on site no workers during week. great walk