[TR] Mt. Adams - NFNWR 7/24/2010

[danhelmstadter]

Trip: Mt. Adams - NFNWR

 

Date: 7/24/2010

 

Trip Report:

 

I had attempted the NFNWR three years ago when I first moved to the pnw, I got shut down by bulletproof conditions on the steeps, and a tricky crampon switchover ensued. As the years have passed, I've kept a close eye on this route in the prime-time Juneish window, and for the past couple of years -- the face has not formed into ski condition, this year however, it is there.

The approach through surreal forest interspered with meadows felt like reliving some bueatiful childhood memory, hikeing through a dreamscape.

I set up a bivy in an idealic location underneath the canopy of knotted subalpine trees, next to alpine flower meadows and a bableing brook.

I took no haste in the morning, since I knew the face would soften only in late day sun, however avoiding potential warmth triggered rockfall was a concern and I didn't make a picnic of the climb.

I slogged to the summit from the Pinnacle, finding exceptional snow conditions with minimal rime and sastrugi/petinententtes.

The descent was memorable, quite the contrast from conditions I encountered in 07. I put together a little video, which came out ok, despite my skiing with caution.

 

[video:youtube]

 

 

camp

 

goats

Edited July 25, 2010 by danhelmstadter

[AllYouCanEat]

I cannot believe the face looked like that yesterday! Glad you finally got this classic Dan. In my 4-5 descents of it, it remains one of my favs.

[telemarker]

Nice going Dan! After my broken ski, sun cups of death experience on the Wilson Headwall, I totally regret not joining you for the N-4!!