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Slesse Conditions 2015


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  • 2 weeks later...

G-spotter: Could you please clarify which pocket glacier you're referring to? I'm just looking at photos/topos now... is it the Bypass Glacier?

Also, recommendations on whether or not it's reasonable to approach the NEB in this state without crampons would be great. I oviously don't know the mountain, so any advice is much appreciated :-)

Thanks!

Edited by Chai
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A friend and I were on the NEB yesterday (June 27). The gullies on the descent from the summit pyramid are now almost completely dry (any remaining snow is easily avoidable).

There was some snow on the way from the scree basin beneath the summit tower to Crossover Ridge (firm enough that we didn't posthole and could kick steps when needed, but soft enough to glissade). Also, there remains a bit of snow beneath the Wooded Stump ("stumpy hill" in McLane's Alpine Select) and on the orange talus field beyond (the photo below gives a vague idea). R0014000.JPG

 

If you're banking on finding water along the way: there was snow available near the start of the 4th class section below the summit headwall and at the summit.

 

Also, a small note: if you're crossing under what remains of the Bypass Glacier, do be careful. It might be more casual than the usual state of affairs, but the remaining ice is still active. A sizeable chunk collapsed as we were crossing the slabs below, and we would have been in its path had it failed a minute or two later.

 

BTW, since I haven't come across this in a few other trip reports I've seen: There are large cairns adorned with pink flagging tape marking where to leave the talus slope beneath Crossover Peak into the woods, and a flagged trail follows. Eventually, orange reflective markers (nailed to trees) materialize as well. The descent trail is very clearly marked from these cairns, right to the memorial (no bushwhack required; many thanks to the trail-builders!).

 

YMMV, and all that jazz.

Edited by Chai
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  • 2 months later...

Probably heading up Slesse this weekend. Any beta on where last decent water fill up is (assuming nothing on route or summit)? And first water on the descent?

 

Will try to do the Southwest Route descent, but may have to do the Crossover Descent.

 

Any beta on logging road conditions/closures?

 

Thanks

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Was up there on an attempt a week ago.The road is in decent shape if you have a 4x4 and decent skills. HC isn't necessary, but it's nice.

 

There's been more rain recently, but the last water we found on the slabs below the bypass ramps. A small chunk of ice is slowly melting, giving just enough water to fill a bottle in some spots.

 

You'll need other input for water on the descent.

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