builder206 Posted November 20, 2007 Share Posted November 20, 2007 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbb Posted November 20, 2007 Share Posted November 20, 2007 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
builder206 Posted November 21, 2007 Author Share Posted November 21, 2007 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blake Posted November 21, 2007 Share Posted November 21, 2007 Hwy is open now, and nice weather this week! Get after it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
builder206 Posted November 21, 2007 Author Share Posted November 21, 2007 No, I wanted a mid-winter epic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Off_White Posted November 21, 2007 Share Posted November 21, 2007 If you want an epic, the gate location is perfect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary_Yngve Posted November 22, 2007 Share Posted November 22, 2007 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex Posted November 22, 2007 Share Posted November 22, 2007 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cobra_Commander Posted November 22, 2007 Share Posted November 22, 2007 south gully makes a fine ski with enough snow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoshK Posted November 30, 2007 Share Posted November 30, 2007 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill_Simpkins Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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