After several days of high-pressure conditions on the mountain have been changing fast. Rangers report warm temps at basecamp, and slushy wet snow during the heat of the day. Overnight there has been a good refreeze, and many climbers are choosing to travel in the evening to take advantage of a surface crust and cooler temps. Coverage remains good on the lower mountain, and the route from Basecamp to Camp 1 is direct.
The standard climbing route up Motorcycle Hill/Squirrel hill is reported to be in good shape, but Windy Corner is icy. With conditions changing fast it is important to continually assess the terrain that you are in and have the tools handy to move safely! Be prepared to switch to crampons and have your ice axe ready to go.
At 14 camp rangers report lots of sunshine. An avalanche was observed in Rescue Gully on 6/14 and a skier was caught, but luckily suffered no injuries. Remember, you may be high on the mountain, but the rules of safe travel in avalanche terrain still apply! Assess snow conditions, expose one person at a time to a suspect slope, and have the tools to preform a rescue if needed.
Sultana Ridge on Mt. Foraker, viewed from 14K. Photo: Barrier
Patrol Update
14K Patrol #4 Oken flew out from basecamp on 6/14, along with Base Camp Patrol #3 Guetschow. Both teams are enjoying some well-earned rest in Talkeetna.
BC Patrol #3: NPS Mountaineering Ranger Taylor Guetschow and VIPs Nolan Dumont and Tully Hamer. Photo: Guetschow
14K Patrol #5 Baldwin/ Barrier welcomed Patrol #6 Davis to 14K this week, and both teams have been busy helping climbers on the mountain. The last 14K patrol of the season, Patrol #7 Bomba is at basecamp preparing for their climb. NPS Mountaineering Ranger Chelsea Bomba, and VIPs Gabby Faurot, Megan Dannenberg, and Susan Goodwin will practice critical rescue skills at basecamp, before beginning their climb up to 14K.
14K Patrol #7 VIP Susan Goodwin demonstrates good UV protection during the heat of the day.