August 3, 2014, Squak Glacier, Mount Baker
8/3/14
WA Cascades West Slopes North (Mt Baker)
3532
1
The last couple of years I have contented myself with skiing the drive-in patches at Artist Point for August. This year I decided to stick with Mount Baker, but make a bit more of a real tour on the Squak glacier. Leaving the trailhead at the leisurely hour of 0750 on another in our string of hot, sunny days my wife and I hiked the Scott Paul trail to the First View point at an easy pace, striving not to overheat (this was the main theme of the day). The first view, while gorgeous, was not exactly inspiring from a skiing point of view, with only a patch or two of snow in sight. However, as we ascended the climbers trail towards Crag View more snow patches appeared amongst the beautiful heather and wildflower gardens. After a good lunch break I started skinning up the Squak, with a welcome cooling breeze on the snow. No ski or boot tracks were visible, so I skinned up the path of least resistance, giving a good berth to the obvious crevasses. I made my turnaround point on the lip of a massive crevasse at around 8,700 feet, out of time and motivation on this hot day. The ski down was surprisingly good, slightly sticky on 1-2 inch softened suncups .With one very short carry I skied down to 5,400 feet where I rejoined the climbers trail (and wife)! The hike out was a matter of steady pacing in the partially shaded but baking forest. A brief plunge in the freezing trail head stream returned core temperatures to normal and ended a stunningly beautiful day on the mountain. With about 5,300 feet of climb and 3,300 feet of skiing, the JOM score of 62% has to be hard to beat almost anywhere in August. If the current weather streak continues September looks like being a challenge!
Way to keep the streak going Andy! ScottK and I skied with you on the 10th year mark. Are you at / near 15 or 16 now?
If you're ever in SW CO, give me a shout... It feels like it could snow here any day!
If you're ever in SW CO, give me a shout... It feels like it could snow here any day!
Reply to this TR
Please login first: