Avalanche danger on Shuksan

[jfreeburg]

I'm hoping to head up to Shuksan tomorrow (up the Sulphide) but I saw the NWAC's gnarly forecast for the spring thaw cycle that warns against backcountry travel in avy terrain this weekend. Can anyone tell me what the slopes are like up there? I talked to a ranger at Marblemount who warned of some potential cornices above the toe of the glacier, but I'm wondering if there is something else to be concerned about. The guy I talked to didn't have much information personally. Does the summit pyramid ever slide? I climbed it maybe 10 years ago so I don't have the route fresh in my head.

 

Any suggestions of similar (safer?) routes to try Fri-Sat?

 

 

[jspitzer]

Climbing Shuskan via the Sulphide route can have many hidden avalanche obstacles along the way. Here are some of the few that come to mind.

 

1) At the Col when you cross from Shannon Ridge into the Sulphide zone you cross several steep East facing slopes with steep cliffs above you. Also that zone is known for having large cornices this time of year.

 

2) Passed the col you still have several zone of steep rocks and cornices above you until you are on the Sulphide GL

 

3) Summit Pyramid: I have seen several large wet loose avalanches come off the South side of the summit pyramid. The South East ridge stays clear of avalanche danger.

 

Hope this is helpful and be careful out there

 

Jonathon

Edited May 10, 2012 by jspitzer