Snowpack in cascades: late June

[borisitin]

Friends,

I climbed in Cascades a fair amount but always in the end of August. How will climbing be in the second half of June? Will routes be dry or will they still be covered in snow/ice (ledges, cracks, etc...)? How will approaches look like? I am particularly interested in routes in Liberty Bell/Washington Pass and Leavenworth based. Will all roads be opened by mid June?

Thanks a lot!

Boris.

Edited May 22, 2021 by borisitin

[underscore_child]

Leavenworth based, meaning Enchantments?

[bedellympian]

WA pass approaches will be on snow. Bring boots or GTX approach shoes and light crampons for any steep/exposed approaches. Probably a light axe too, though if you are comfortable you can always do the rock trick ... gloves should be obvious, and a spare pair of socks in the pack. 

[bedellympian]

These TRs from June 2016 probably help. Compare the snow packs from this year to that to get an idea of how to scale.

https://sites.google.com/stephabegg.com/washington/tripreports/vesper-ragged?authuser=0

https://sites.google.com/stephabegg.com/washington/tripreports/bigkangaroo?authuser=0

https://sites.google.com/stephabegg.com/washington/tripreports/burgundy-nf?authuser=0#h.f9kufph9eib1

https://sites.google.com/stephabegg.com/washington/tripreports/stuart?authuser=0#h.8ttdu7i41oye

Edited May 24, 2021 by bedellympian