[TR] MRNP - Nisqually Icefall 5/31/2009

[marcus]

Trip: MRNP - Nisqually Icefall

 

Date: 5/31/2009

 

Trip Report:

Nate Farr and I simul-climbed through the icefall to the crater rim in 5 hours. We chose to climb the lower difficulties at night to minimize hazards, but heard no rockfall or serac activity during our ascent. Slots were open with sometimes thin but passable bridges. Ice cruxes were ~WI3 with brief steeper+delicate sections. We chose a line just left of center which yielded solutions through all of the major serac bands.

This route should still remain climbable for at least a couple of weeks yet and offers a great alternative line to the summit with easy access.

 

Gear Notes:

2 pickets, 1 screw...more recommended if parties plan to pitch out the icefall.

 

Approach Notes:

There is a great tent platform(not mine) dug out at Cowlitz Cleaver(9800') for your alpine convenience.

[DonnieK]

[BillA]