May 26, 2017, Interglacier
5/26/17
WA Cascades West Slopes South (Mt Rainier)
2225
2
Definitely nowhere NEAR as fast as some of the recent write-ups! It was 33 degrees in the parking lot, boding well for corn formation. There is an avalanche blowdown about 2 miles in that takes some negotiation. Crossed the Interglacier creek @ about 3 miles, following the obvious tracks, and proceeded up the south side of Glacier Basin. Lots of avy debris from Ruth. I made it up to within about 400 vf of Steamboat Prow before running out of gas, an interesting and disappointing experience. The upper glacier was superb: a little old graupelish snow, corn, and touches of verglas in places also. Overall about 80% snow coverage on "the trail" but lots of skis on-and-off action.
Similar experience on the 26th. Lower trail was brutal, but corn on the Prow to 6k was off the hook.
No easy way to get to Glacier Basin, but it is worth the effort.
https://goo.gl/photos/yrBQRtRjgw1aatKr7
SFIV
No easy way to get to Glacier Basin, but it is worth the effort.
https://goo.gl/photos/yrBQRtRjgw1aatKr7
SFIV
creek crossing didn't look bad directly ahead of the pile of trees left in the avalanche gully. But easier and fast was to head straight up the hill after the debris and boot or skin to glacier basin camp
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