March 30, 2013, Mt. Baker, Watson Traverse
3/30/13
WA Cascades West Slopes North (Mt Baker)
1547
0
Title: Watson Traverse in a Day.
Date: 3/30/13
People Present: Kerwin Loukusa and Pablo Zuleta
Stats:
Distance: 19.5 Miles
Vertical Gain: 8,500
Vertical Loss: 10,500
Max Slope Ascent: 65°
Max Slope Descent: 50°
Time: 16 hours
Description of Route: Watson Traverse, West->East from Mt. Baker Mountaineers Lodge to Heliotrope Ridge Trailhead.
Began at the Baker Mountaineers lodge and traveled east to Artist Point, then south side of Table Mountain and north side of Ptarmigan Ridge to Coleman Pinnacle, then to the Portals, through the middle portal down to the lower Rainbow Glacier. Continued skinning up the Rainbow Glacier and onto the Park Glacier. Up the middle of the Park Glacier in search of a place to cross the Bergschrund. Once we made the challenging cross onto the Park headwall we continued up to the climbers left of the Cockscomb. Once we gained the Cockscomb ridge we then continued to the true summit of Mt. Baker for a spectacular view. After resting for a bit we continued down the Roman Wall in ski mode, down the Coleman Glacier near the edges of the Heliotrope Ridge and then traversed down to Grouse Creek. Once we reached the Heliotrope Trail-head at approx. 3,700 elevation we continued down the existing snow covered road to our car..
Description of Snow Conditions:
Rain crust and corn on ascent and east side of Mt. Baker Summit
Powder and mank on north side of Mt. Baker for descent.
Weather Conditions: Sunshine throughout the day with little to no wind.
Approximate Temperatures:
20s AM
30-40s PM
Avalanche Forecast: Moderate avalanche forecast moving to considerable on sun exposed slopes below 7,000. Evidence of slides from previous days, but did not observe any avalanche activity day of trip.
Field Tests/ Results: None
Special Information to be noted:
Photos:
Ascent Route Photo:
Mt. Baker in the Alpenglow and moon
Kerwin testing the snow bridge over the Bergschrund below the Park Glacier Headwall
Technical Gear List:
Required:
Standard Glacier Kit (Harness, Screw, Slings, Prusiks).
Ski Crampons
30M Glacier Rope
Crampons
Ice Axe or Whippet
Suggested:
Picket Per Person (Didnt Use)
2nd Tool/Axe
Jetboil for melting water
Carried, but did not use
Tent and Sleeping Bags
Date: 3/30/13
People Present: Kerwin Loukusa and Pablo Zuleta
Stats:
Distance: 19.5 Miles
Vertical Gain: 8,500
Vertical Loss: 10,500
Max Slope Ascent: 65°
Max Slope Descent: 50°
Time: 16 hours
Description of Route: Watson Traverse, West->East from Mt. Baker Mountaineers Lodge to Heliotrope Ridge Trailhead.
Began at the Baker Mountaineers lodge and traveled east to Artist Point, then south side of Table Mountain and north side of Ptarmigan Ridge to Coleman Pinnacle, then to the Portals, through the middle portal down to the lower Rainbow Glacier. Continued skinning up the Rainbow Glacier and onto the Park Glacier. Up the middle of the Park Glacier in search of a place to cross the Bergschrund. Once we made the challenging cross onto the Park headwall we continued up to the climbers left of the Cockscomb. Once we gained the Cockscomb ridge we then continued to the true summit of Mt. Baker for a spectacular view. After resting for a bit we continued down the Roman Wall in ski mode, down the Coleman Glacier near the edges of the Heliotrope Ridge and then traversed down to Grouse Creek. Once we reached the Heliotrope Trail-head at approx. 3,700 elevation we continued down the existing snow covered road to our car..
Description of Snow Conditions:
Rain crust and corn on ascent and east side of Mt. Baker Summit
Powder and mank on north side of Mt. Baker for descent.
Weather Conditions: Sunshine throughout the day with little to no wind.
Approximate Temperatures:
20s AM
30-40s PM
Avalanche Forecast: Moderate avalanche forecast moving to considerable on sun exposed slopes below 7,000. Evidence of slides from previous days, but did not observe any avalanche activity day of trip.
Field Tests/ Results: None
Special Information to be noted:
Photos:
Ascent Route Photo:
Mt. Baker in the Alpenglow and moon
Kerwin testing the snow bridge over the Bergschrund below the Park Glacier Headwall
Technical Gear List:
Required:
Standard Glacier Kit (Harness, Screw, Slings, Prusiks).
Ski Crampons
30M Glacier Rope
Crampons
Ice Axe or Whippet
Suggested:
Picket Per Person (Didnt Use)
2nd Tool/Axe
Jetboil for melting water
Carried, but did not use
Tent and Sleeping Bags
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