Black Peak in winter?

[builder206]

1. In winter, is that effing boulder field below Heather Pass completely covered?

2. Is the NE Ridge suitable for a winter ascent?

3. What about a descent route in winter? Can that south gully go?

 

thanks

[dbb]

usually just shoulder seasons when the North Cascades Highway is open. Otherwise you need a snowmobile. The NE Ridge in winter wouldn't be difficult if you have winter alpine experience. snowy, moderate rock. Might have some cornice problems too.

 

Here's some TRs from november and may:

http://uw.cascadeclimbers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3489

http://cascadeclimbers.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=413489

[builder206]

Hmm. I thought you could drive as far as Rainy Pass from the east side. After seeing your post, I went to the WashDot site and find that the gate is 'way east at MP 171, far from the passes. Plan is in the toilet, thread closed.

 

Thanks for the links to the TRs.

[Blake]

Hwy is open now, and nice weather this week! Get after it.

[builder206]

No, I wanted a mid-winter epic.

[Off_White]

If you want an epic, the gate location is perfect.

[Gary_Yngve]

I did the scramble route on Black Peak this time of year about four or five years ago. Much fun on a cold crisp clear day. Cascade concrete covered the talus slopes on the approach, which frozen avy chunks being only mildy annoying. Wing Lake was frozen solid.

 

[Alex]

2. Is the NE Ridge suitable for a winter ascent?

 

Absolutely. There's one real exposed move on the route, otherwise pretty basic 4th/5.0.

 

3. What about a descent route in winter? Can that south gully go?

 

Super casual.

[Cobra_Commander]

south gully makes a fine ski with enough snow.

[JoshK]

IMHO, this would make a great winter route! I'm not sure what Alex is talking about, there are no exposed moves I can think of. In a few places the ridge becomes narrower but there were always easy places to tuck yourself in to an alcove or move to the left of the ridge where it's lower angle. For the most part the route is low angle scrambling. Getting down the other side should be a cake walk as long as you have some stable snow conditions.

 

But I should mention, as somebody else did, that if you want an epic, leaving from the regular start location wouldn't fufill that goal. Get some 'nads and walk from the road closure!! Epic accomplished!

[Bill_Simpkins]

Be careful of avi just below the notch below the South gully. As far as the boulders being covered, some of the holes are pretty big. I wouldn't say for sure now, but chances of a smooth ride across them would be 50/50 this time of year depending on snowfall.