Topoftheworld

I'm looking to climb Mt St Helens (possibly Adams) in late May or early June. I no longer live in the NW so I'm not sure what the snow pack has been like. Is the snow pack pretty much the same as last year or is there less/more? Also, recent weather conditions (surprisingly warm for Apr and May) makes me wonder if I'll be able to take the "monitor ridge" route. Any input you can provide would be great.

Ben - I saw your post earlier but how was the trip down the South Side? Enough snow to glissade or did you have to walk down?

Just curious if anyone has been to Mt Adams since 8/17. Any input would be great.

WillS, do you thinkn it's doable w/o crampons? The overnight low looks to be mid 40s this weekend above 10k altitude.

Inplainview - do you live near the SOuth SIster or have you been there recently?

I'm looking at climbing South Sister soon. Never been there before. I really like the option of glissading down vs hiking down. Is this possible on South Sister at this time? Has anyone been there recently?

I'm looking to climb Mt Adams this weekend. Has anyone been up there recently (last week or so) ? Is there still enough snow to glissade down from false summit to lunch counter? Do you need crampons to go up to the summit or is there enough rock exposed? Any add'l input would be great.

What's safer, to rope up with climbers in your group or not? I've heard/read of instances where a group of roped climbers get pulled down a mountain because one person fell. I'm sure there are instances of a "fallen" climber saved because he/she is tied to other climbers. I would really like to hear from experienced climbers who can talk from real life instances.

Be curious to find out how the couloir is when the snow is a bit slushy. If anyone has gone up in these temps before or have gone up recently to Hood, I'd love to know.

I'm noticing the freezing point is well above 11k altitude for this weekend. Does that mean the snow will be slushy near hogsback/summit? Or will it still be firm? If it's slushy, will there be concerns of rockfall? Looks like there's ample amount of snow. Love to climb Hood but not sure how to handle the higher temps.

I'm looking to climb Adams at the end of June. Probably a one day hike. I did this climb last year but in mid-July. Any thoughts on doing the hike at the end of June vs end of July? When do the crowds pick up?

Trip: Mt St Helens - Worm Flows Date: 6/11/2012 Trip Report: Got to marble mt snow park at 645am on June 11 Mon, geared up and left at 700am. It was clear and gorgeous morning. I got hot quickly and only had a polyester long sleeve shirt and pants. Snow was a bit soft but still firm. As I kept climbing, the snow seemed to stay about the same (soft but firm). I only used trail running shoes (with aggressive tread) to about 3/4 up. At that time, feet were wet and getting cold, so I put on my mountaineering boots (no crampons) and continued up. Snow was a softer (a bit slushy) and had to kick in at times to get a good footing. Made it to the top at 1215pm. Gorgeous views! First time up to the top and loved it. Glissaded down as much as possible. Got back to car at 145pm. Overall, great trip, would love to do it in early spring-late winter. Could have gone with T-shirt, shorts, and boots. Here are pics of the trip if needed: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cascadefever/ If you have any questions, let me know.

Thanks for the info. I really appreciate it!! Sounds like the snow / ice was fairly firm so not sure if snowshoes would be beneficial vs boots / crampons. Thoughts?

Thanks for the report. I've been thinking of doing this climb this winter so I was stoked to see someone had done it recently. Just a few questions... 1. Did you use snowshoes? If so, were you able to use them to get to the top or did you need crampons? 2. At what time did you leave the Marble snow park? Reach summit? And return? 3. What were the terrain conditions like from the park to 1000 feet from summit? 4. Did you run into many folks? I know... lots of questions. But this info would really help me out.

I'm thinking of climbing Mt St Helens by the end of March. Are snowshoes or skis a must? If boots are ok, are crampons a must? Just trying to get a feel for the terrain and ascent. If snow shoes are used, how long does it take round trip? If you have camped out mid-way, what's a good location? -Any other tidbits of info would be great.