[TR] Washington Pass- SW arete S Early 11/12/2004

[crazy_t]

Climb: Washington Pass-SW arete S Early

 

Date of Climb: 11/11/2004

 

Trip Report:

There is snow from the parking lot and the hairpin. The packed trail peters out on the west side under the steep section around the slabs, necessitating mixed type hiking. About 1' snow, some of it fairly firm down low, firmer higher, but semi-slow and funky travel with rocks and trees covered etc. Snowshoes would be a good call. The hairpin side is in much better shape. I saw two guys ski down that side yesterday on scratchy conditions, have to give them bonus points for their efforts. Snow is pretty firm on that side and really doesn't get much light during the day. Up by the top it is hard, some light crampons and a light axe might be helpful. On S Early, small patches of snow but otherwise very enjoyable. It's beautiful up there, with new snow on all the peaks. The roads are very clear, but frost/ice was a problem driving down in the PM.

Edited November 12, 2004 by crazy_t