June 26, MRNP, Frying Pan and Ohanepecosh Glaciers

Found myself back up on the Frying Pan Glacier yesterday and wanted to give a quick conditions report. It's in great shape right now.

Snow free until well past the creek crossing with the snow starting as the switchbacks start up to Summerland which still has a fair amount of snow. We opted to break off the trail at the start of the switchbacks and work through the brush up valley a bit where we were able to put on skis. Continuous snow up to Meany Crest. The Frying Pan Glacier remains well filled in on its eastern aspects. The crack below the top of Whitman Crest is starting to open but poses no problems. Took a 1200-foot or so run down towards the Ohanepecosh Glacier before coming back up to Whitman Crest and exiting down the Frying Pan. Great corn on all aspects which skied really well. Smooth surface without suncups above Meany Crest. There's still continuous snow back down to Summerland without having to walk back over the camp site area on Meany Crest, although some glide cracks are opening up in spots and it helps to be careful going over rolls so you can spot them up. Some small suncups starting to form on the last bit back into Summerland but easy to ski through as they softened in the heat.