Dragontail descent

[keenwesh]

How's it looking right now? I would ideally like to not carry an ax or 'pons. A sharp rock is my usual anti-death-slide device. Is there a way to get back to aasguard pass without descending the snowslope?

[keenwesh]

also, need to know this tonight. I'm driving to leavenworth tomorrow and will hopefully be climbing monday and tuesday, away from technology.

[lightnfast]

Also wondering what the descent of Dragontail is looking like, any info greatly appreciated. Crampons necessary?

[keenwesh]

yo, so I did it a week ago in running shoes, came down around 11 am. snow was soft and descent was incredibly casual. I had an ax along but probably could have gotten away without it, just using a sharp rock. Having said that, if you slipped and went sliding you would be seriously fucked up. trekking poles would be more than adequate.

[lightnfast]

Thanks man much appreciated. Headed up there at the end of the month.

[telemarker]

You can always hike around the backside of Witch's Tower and down, then double back to Aasgard Pass. It's all done on mellow slopes and you will not need an axe. It is quick and doesn't even add time to the descent.

[lightnfast]

Last question, best guidebook for the area? I'd like to check out the descent option mentioned above, Kahtoolas and axes as a backup.

[keenwesh]

if you have an ax just go down the snow, it is extremely mellow. Guidebook would be the white becky guide, but it's notoriously vague.