2008, May 31-June 1, Mount Baker, Coleman-Deming
6/15/08
WA Cascades West Slopes North (Mt Baker)
2408
2
Glacier Creek Road (FSR 39) was blocked at 2560 ft (780 m) just pass Lookout Creek, about 4 km from the trailhead. After crossing a short patch we had to walk 1 mile (1.6 km), then ski to the trailhead. It took about 1 hour from the car to the trailhead. The patch was definitely driveable with 4x4 not sure why people did not try, maybe because the road was blocked by already parked cars. Hopefully the snow patch will be gone in few days, the rain should take it away pretty fast. That should cut the walk to the trailhead down to about half an hour.
There are about 4 feet of snow at the trailhead parking lot. The Grouse Creek ski route is in good condition, lots of snow no bare patches to cross.
Saturday was sunny and hot (sunscreen!). Camped around 6560 ft (2000 m) on the Coleman Glacier.
It rained and snowed overnight depositing about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of fresh snow above 9850 ft (3000 m). Left under grey sky hoping there would be some blue above us. Recent size 1 avalanche on NW aspect below Roman Wall observed. Crevasses are opening up fast, we crossed one about 10 inches wide (25 cm), grew to 20 in (50 cm) on our return. Took glacier gear but did not rope up. Ski penetration about 1 in (2.5 cm) on the way up.
Summited in early afternoon, only the summit pyramid of Shuksan visible from Grant Peak, lots of clouds below and above us, sun occasionally breaking through. Barely any wind all day.
Upper Deming Glacier was in great condition, fresh snow over smooth base. Below the col the snow got softer and softer (and stickier too) but great skiing all the way to 6890 ft (2100 m). Skied out via Grouse Creek, the snow got better again below 5900 ft (1800 m), perhaps because it was in the clouds all day with little or no rain. Skiing the road was pretty fast too. The route should be in great condition for another couple of weeks. Corn coming soon!
Have fun!
Slideshow:
There are about 4 feet of snow at the trailhead parking lot. The Grouse Creek ski route is in good condition, lots of snow no bare patches to cross.
Saturday was sunny and hot (sunscreen!). Camped around 6560 ft (2000 m) on the Coleman Glacier.
It rained and snowed overnight depositing about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of fresh snow above 9850 ft (3000 m). Left under grey sky hoping there would be some blue above us. Recent size 1 avalanche on NW aspect below Roman Wall observed. Crevasses are opening up fast, we crossed one about 10 inches wide (25 cm), grew to 20 in (50 cm) on our return. Took glacier gear but did not rope up. Ski penetration about 1 in (2.5 cm) on the way up.
Summited in early afternoon, only the summit pyramid of Shuksan visible from Grant Peak, lots of clouds below and above us, sun occasionally breaking through. Barely any wind all day.
Upper Deming Glacier was in great condition, fresh snow over smooth base. Below the col the snow got softer and softer (and stickier too) but great skiing all the way to 6890 ft (2100 m). Skied out via Grouse Creek, the snow got better again below 5900 ft (1800 m), perhaps because it was in the clouds all day with little or no rain. Skiing the road was pretty fast too. The route should be in great condition for another couple of weeks. Corn coming soon!
Have fun!
Slideshow:
Looks great, you sure got some good pictures!
Thanks for the report and good shots, I'll be heading up there soon.
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