July 15, Baker, Easton
7/15/14
WA Cascades West Slopes North (Mt Baker)
3469
2
Skied Baker from the summit yesterday up and down via the Easton Glacier. We figured there was no way to beat the heat no matter how early we started, so we took a lazy Seattle start and were hiking around 930am.
On the ascent we followed dry trail along the moraine crest, keeping shoes on nearly to the glacier. For the descent nearly continuous snow patches extend down to about the fork of the Park Butte/Railroad Grade trails.
The glacier is in solid condition. No problematic crossings, though the large bridge ~150m below the crater rim seems to be deteriorating. Similar cracks/collapses beginning on the Roman Wall bergschrunds. Snow on the Roman Wall was extremely deep slush -- reasonable travel with skins but surely very tiring on foot anytime after dawn.
We enjoyed mild summit weather with a light W wind. Dramatic late afternoon light cast our shadows across Whatcom County, though high altitude haze from the fires in the east obscured views to the interior.
Very fun ski down. Not too sticky and the mild suncups were soft enough to let skis run at full speed. Relaxed with some cold beers with a couple friends who were camped at the moraines, and then made a hurried jaunt down to the car so we could catch last call at Five Guys in Burlington.
On the ascent we followed dry trail along the moraine crest, keeping shoes on nearly to the glacier. For the descent nearly continuous snow patches extend down to about the fork of the Park Butte/Railroad Grade trails.
The glacier is in solid condition. No problematic crossings, though the large bridge ~150m below the crater rim seems to be deteriorating. Similar cracks/collapses beginning on the Roman Wall bergschrunds. Snow on the Roman Wall was extremely deep slush -- reasonable travel with skins but surely very tiring on foot anytime after dawn.
We enjoyed mild summit weather with a light W wind. Dramatic late afternoon light cast our shadows across Whatcom County, though high altitude haze from the fires in the east obscured views to the interior.
Very fun ski down. Not too sticky and the mild suncups were soft enough to let skis run at full speed. Relaxed with some cold beers with a couple friends who were camped at the moraines, and then made a hurried jaunt down to the car so we could catch last call at Five Guys in Burlington.
Good one.
Always good to know the updated conditions of Mt Baker.
Always good to know the updated conditions of Mt Baker.
Cool picture guys. kw’eq sámit!
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