May 30, 2004, Mt Adams South Climb

Set out from the road end at Morrison Creek Campground with the intent of getting as high as possible and hopefully getting some good (possibly fresh) snow.  There are still deep patches on the road to Cold Springs with continous snow starting 1/2 or 3/4 of a mile from the summer trailhead.  We ascended via South Butte, above which the snow conditions consisted of the water ice mentioned in the previous report at our high point of about 8500', with narrow but buttery strips of wind-buffed powder on the lee sides of the ridges.  As we descended the snow maintained the wind-affects, but also became progressively more sun-affected, with the new snow becoming mush below 6500'.  Coverage is still several feet at the Cold Springs Trailhead.  The weather alternated snow squalls and sun, with the latter being more prevalent, as evidenced by my goggle tan.