PHOTOS OF SULTANA RIDGE CRUX

[bmhc_options]

Anybody have any route photos of the crux of the sultana ridge (Mt. Foraker)?

 

I've read about a 55 degree slope section and I think I've seen a photo of it (in my previous Foraker message - how many days it takes to climb). Is it knife edge cornice? From the photos I've scene I can't see what's on the other side of this slope.

 

Is it a drop into oblivion?

[W]

There is no defined "crux" on this route- it is mostly walking on a broad ridge with a couple of narrow sections, and navigating some well concealed crevasses splitting the ridgecrest. The cornices that do exist are very easy to get around. There is nothing even close to 55 degrees. On the section between 12,400 and Foraker you will traverse some sidehill slopes up to maybe 35-40 degrees, and on the final 5000 feet up to the summit it does not exceed 40 degrees. Crosson might have the steepest climbing of the entire route, but not much steeper than the above.

 

[wfinley]

http://www.northernlatitude.com/sultanaphotos.html

[brad]

the crux is the seven day storm you didn't anticipate. nothing technical. gorgeous route a personal fave of mine for sure.

[brad]

one more, just for stokes sake. if you look closely you can see the entire route from the summit of crossen to where i am standing

Edited December 11, 2006 by brad

[jordansahls]

I'm a little curious, how are avalanche conditions on this route? It looks like it could be a nightmare. NIce pics by the way.

[Alasdair]

Dude, any peak could have bad avalanche conditions. Its not any worse than lots of other routes in Alaska. Use common sense and think about what you are doing when you are doing it and you will have minimized the risk. There is a shit load more photos here...

http://www.nwclimber.com/climbing/trips/alaska2000/climbingforakerinfo/forakerclimbinfo.htm

[Mark_Husbands]

pretty wind-stripped in many places.