August 9, 2014, Flett/Russell Glacier
8/9/14
WA Cascades West Slopes South (Mt Rainier)
2992
1
Inspired by recent reports and a very memorable trip in mid-July last year, we opted to push for the top of the Russell. Unfortunately, we ran out of time about 2/3 of the way to the top: there was a good deal of meandering around Spray Park looking for continuous snow, and a few costly mistakes booting up the steeper areas of volcanic rock & talus fields around Ptarmigan Ridge rather than taking the lower, looker's left approach towards the bottom of the Russell. In short, a very high ratio of walking in boots to sliding on splitboards.
There are more mosquitos than snow in Spray Park. We found the lowest continuous snow to begin at 46.9151, -121.8193 - but things are melting fast, so keep it in mind.
Suncups are pretty imposing in places, but the Russell proper - from high point down - is the smoothest and best sliding. There are a number of obvious crevasse areas, though most of just babies, and the one zone of tension that presents more of a risk is easily avoided.
A long day in the mountains, a lot of carries, a few really great turns, and some beautiful scenery.
There are more mosquitos than snow in Spray Park. We found the lowest continuous snow to begin at 46.9151, -121.8193 - but things are melting fast, so keep it in mind.
Suncups are pretty imposing in places, but the Russell proper - from high point down - is the smoothest and best sliding. There are a number of obvious crevasse areas, though most of just babies, and the one zone of tension that presents more of a risk is easily avoided.
A long day in the mountains, a lot of carries, a few really great turns, and some beautiful scenery.
