[TR] South Early Winter Spire - SW Couloir 5/17/12

[Layback]

A group of 6 Seattle Mountaineers including myself climbed SEWS yesterday via the SW Couloir. Fantastic snow conditions throughout much of the climb with thinning snowpack at the top of the 50 degree section with a little 4th class "mixed climbing" above. This was the first alpine climb for a couple of these guys and one I'm sure they'll remember for a long time.

 

Go get it while it's still good. My guess is that there's enough snowpack up at the top of the couloir to last another week or two at best (to make conditions worthwhile). My pickets were bottoming out at the top of the 50 degree section. Bring 60 meter ropes for the rappel or be prepared to bury a deadman for the final rappel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[KaskadskyjKozak]

 

Wait... no names taped to your helmets. WTH?? ;-)

 

Nice job getting up there. How does Lib Bell look? Any chance the Beckey Route is snow free now?

[kevino]

snowshoes and skis??

[Layback]

Since you ask, those are my skis on his back. I had a shitty morning. After spending all day on the toilet on Wednesday I was a little dehydrated. I vomited and started cramping up so I quit skinning and just walked in. He was cool enough to hook me up.

[Layback]

I didn't get a good look at it KK. Sorry.

 

I know there was a party camped out last night, who looked to be having a fun time, that was planning on attempting it today.

[SeanO]

It was a fun climb, and the weather ended up being perfect.

 

Kozak, here's the only pic I took that might give you an idea.

 

[SeanO]

ALso, here are some pics of the current conditions.

 

Approach

 

Start of the climb

 

Base of the couloir

 

Climbing the couloir

 

Top of the couloir

 

Summit, with a few feet of snow here and there

 

[JasonG]

Excellent! That is a fun early season ramble, and one of the quickest ways to the top of a peak in that area. Glad the weather worked out for you Sean......keep your fingers crossed for Sunday!