Shuksan-N. Face?

[Lambone]

Thinking about heading up there in a couple of weeks. Any words on conditions? I'd assume that it be good alpine ice about now. Anybody done it recently, or in September years past? Thanks.

[summitseeker]

Did you do it? I imagine the approach will be a pretty heinous bushwhack this time of year since the snow won't be there to cover the slide alder. I haven't done it myself, but I've been told by friends who have that it can be tough. So what else is new for the Cascades?

[Dru]

Its actually pretty bush free if you avoid White Salmon Creek. Drop straight down the clear cut from parking, cross creek, straight up to the ridge crest on the other side and follow ridge crest to bivi. Mostly through old growth, took us 4 hrs in.

[DPS]

I concur, the approach is not that bad. Took us 3 1/2 hours with minimal bush wacking.

[Mr._Blister]

I did it with Dan and Colin Hayley this summer and the approach really wasn't a big deal. Down one side and up the other.

John Sharp

[DPS]

We descended the Fisher Chimneys. Where did you here the glacier and Winnie's Slide was in poor shape? I have done the FC as late as October and while icy, proved to have no real problems.

[Matt]

I climbed the FC route three weeks ago. If you decide to decend the FC, be sure to leave the summit with plenty of time to get down the chimneys in the daylight. I think Becky's guide suggests 5 hours, in its current condition it may take longer (IMHO). Winnnie's Slide is not a problem, however, the Curtis IS broken up. The glacier requires careful attention and there are a few crevasse crossings that are spooky.

[Christopher]

DP...it was I who told Sverdina Winnies slide was not a fun ride late in the day as the Sun was setting three weeks ago...also we had no good pro and snow was real sloppy.....I'm trying to discourage him from trying to drag me up the N. Face and down the FC this weekend!!!!!

[sverdina]

What route did you guys use on the descent? I know that the FC route is traditionally the way to go, but I understand the upper Curtis glacier & Winnie's slide is in pretty lousy shape.

[eriknusanet]

Did anyone make it onto the N. Face of Shuksan? If so, how did it go? I'm considering it for this weekend... Do folks think the current snow would make it dangerous or unpleasant?

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erik@MyPhysicsLab.com

[Lambone]

Never did it Erik, went to Stuart instead.

It may be worth callin' to see how much snow has fallen up there. Fresh snow on an icy face is a bad combo, obviously. I almost got hammered once in pre-season in Montana, same conditions. North Facing slope of about 45-50 degrees, first snow of the year, on top of a summer snowpack... Needless to say I was ignorant, and lucky!

Be safe, and have fun!

[Dru]

Looking out the window ( I can see a tiny chunk of the summit pyramid from my office window here in Chilliwack) I would say total accumulation is on the order of 6 inches or less, just enough to make things interesting, probably no real avvy hazard yet... but it is maybe going to rain Saturday and then be nice Sunday. Think you can one-day it Sunday? Actually latest w forecast is for morning showrrs Sat then clearing. i say go for it.

[This message has been edited by Dru (edited 10-11-2001).]

[Marty_Johnson]

One option to look at for the descent is the White Salmon Glacier. Once in the creek bottom Side hill through large timber on the east side of the creek until the clearcut, cross the creek , and climb up to the road. I did this after climbing the route Nov 19th of last year and it looked a lot more pleasing than downclimbing Fishers Chimneys, making a long hike out and returning to the car.