July 8, 2007; Gloomy Glacier, Seven Fingered Jack
7/15/07
2413
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In my continued interest to ski in some of the more remote places in Washington, I agreed to join Phil for an adventure into the Seven Fingered Jack/Mt. Fernow area. Phils objective was the N. Face of Fernow, and although I wasnt too sure of this, I figured I would take a look. After car camping at Phelps Creek Trailhead, headed up Phelps Creek at 6am Saturday. The unmaintained trail heading up Leroy Creek is steep (great knee workout for the descent). By noon we were in the basin situated on the NW Face of Seven Fingered Jack at the lowest flanks of the Gloomy Glacier, where we set up camp.
After 7,000+ of climbing and having only skied the lower ½ of the N. Face of Fernow (see Phils TR), I set my sights on the Gloomy Glacier for day 2. This glacier rises 1,600 out of the basin. Unlike the much steeper N. Face of Fernow, this glacier consisted of a combination of a couple of rolls mixed with steeper pitches. Near the top the 'shrund was open, coupled with noticeable sags. After end running it, we were at the top of the glacier in a little over an hour. Portions of the upper face were still a bit firm, but more than held an edge. Views of Dumbell and Bonanza Peak set the backdrop for this scenic descent. The entire area in and around Holden has always interested me. This trip allowed me to see yet another arm (Big Creek area) of this spectacular mountain range.
After 7,000+ of climbing and having only skied the lower ½ of the N. Face of Fernow (see Phils TR), I set my sights on the Gloomy Glacier for day 2. This glacier rises 1,600 out of the basin. Unlike the much steeper N. Face of Fernow, this glacier consisted of a combination of a couple of rolls mixed with steeper pitches. Near the top the 'shrund was open, coupled with noticeable sags. After end running it, we were at the top of the glacier in a little over an hour. Portions of the upper face were still a bit firm, but more than held an edge. Views of Dumbell and Bonanza Peak set the backdrop for this scenic descent. The entire area in and around Holden has always interested me. This trip allowed me to see yet another arm (Big Creek area) of this spectacular mountain range.