April 19, 2009, Colchuck Glacier

Thanks for the info. Any idea of current conditions at Cannon, the couloir and esp Rat Cr approach? Thanks, N

author=niko link=topic=13114.msg54678#msg54678 date=1240591925]
Any idea of current conditions at Cannon

http://www.nwhikers.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7974532

I came across this thread the other day.  It may be helpful.

author=jwplotz link=topic=13114.msg54661#msg54661 date=1240537728]
Aasgard looked skied out. 

Thanks for the beta jwplotz.  By this do you mean that Aasgard is not holding enough snow for a ski descent?

Aasgard has plenty of snow right now, and is looking much more covered than when I was up there mid January.

Before 1/16/09


After, 4/19/09

author=jwplotz link=topic=13114.msg54661#msg54661 date=1240537728]
Glacier is in great shape, and in fact, coverage is better on the trail than it was in January and Feb.  Aasgard looked skied out.  Lake still solidly frozen over, making access to the glacier slick and quick.

I'm guessing you  started from eightmile creek rd? How far were you able to drive up the road and how much time did it take to reach colchuck lake?

Well, as of Monday, 4/20 the road is still gated.  Be prepared to hike the road for about two miles, then begin the game of skis on/skis off for patches of snow all the way to the T.H.  Only the last 1/4 mile is consistent snow.  And from the road to the lake took about 4 hours.  It's very quick and easy going once you get to the trailhead.  The path is beaten down, and you could hike it sans sloshoes if you wanted.

And just another note:  The MSR Reactor stove kicks serious butt!  Boiling water in 3 minutes easy!

the road is now open but there is a downed tree which means you can't yet get all the way up to the lot.  i'd say the tree is about a mile from the lot so it's and easy hike.

If it's the same tree that's been there all winter, it would take an ambitious alpinist about 10 minutes to saw and move it for his/her community service points.

author=jwplotz link=topic=13114.msg54717#msg54717 date=1240714819]
If it's the same tree that's been there all winter, it would take an ambitious alpinist about 10 minutes to saw and move it for his/her community service points.

I moved it out of the way yesterday with my Jeep. :) After that point I was able to make it within a 1/4 mile of the trailhead. Had chains on and was in 4low. It'll probably still be in the realm of high clearance 4wd vehicles until maybe late next weekend? Depends on how daring you are and your willingness to risk getting stuck! A Subaru tried to follow us and couldn't make it past the first snow patch.

Conditions on the Colchuck glacier were marginal at best- We descended around 1:30. The upper 2/3s of the glacier were a variable mix of frozen granular and difficult breakable crusts. Lower 1/3 was decent corn snow.

author=WoodyD link=topic=13114.msg54758#msg54758 date=1240813474]
I moved it out of the way yesterday with my Jeep.

Have a virtual beer on me, friend! You made my next weekend. N