Myself and climbing ranger Dan Corn are out and off the Beckey Route on Hunter. Due to the weather, we ended our trip below the Beckey Chimney. While the route has received more snow, I am unsure how much the route has changed from our trip which ended May 1.
West Ridge of Mount Hunter, NPS Photo/Dan Corn
Conditions on the route made for quick travel, rather than the normal deeper, more faceted snow that we normally associate the West Ridge with this time of year. The route also seems thinner in terms of snowpack further along the ridge towards the headwall.
On route, with Cat's Ears and Mount Foraker in the background. NPS Photo/Dan Corn
We were also able to see the Ramen Couloir in a leaner year, it looks more like the Ramen in June rather than May. Climbing that we were able to get done was incredibly fun, and we both look forward to getting back on the route.
We realize this photo was already posted last week or so as a Photo of the Day, but it's too good not to post again here. NPS Photo/Dan Corn