After seeing the photos of hikers in shorts at the summit the weekend before last, I had high hopes of summiting this weekend. However, it was not to be.
Our group left the portal on Saturday morning with the intention to sleep at trail camp and summit on Sunday. There was a light blowing of snow at the trail head, but not too much accumulation.
As we hiked upto and into outpost camp, the snow became much thicker. However, we checked the weather beforehand and were well prepared.
Because there have been melts and subsequent freezes
crampons are probably a good idea heading out of mirror lake and beyond.
Once we reached trail camp, the sun came out and it was warm for a few hours on Sat. When we first woke up Sunday it was colder and clear with no wind. We set off for the summit around 4AM. After about 1,000 ft. the wind picked up and the valley filled with fog.
After a few hours we reached trail crest with a considerable amount of difficulty. There were only a few others who had been on the trail past trail camp last weekend. The snow was packed enough to find the trail, but still deep in many spots. The blowing snow also formed a number of drifts.
Traveling above trail camp under the current conditions without crampons and ice axe is silly. Also, anyone serious about a summit attempt under these conditions is going to need snowshoes.
The snow was hip-deep in most spots near the crest. Without a pre-formed trail you don't stand a chance without snowshoes...and it would be idiotic to try. All in all our group had a great time. Though we're bummed, we knew it was best live to climb another day. I hope this info is helpful to anyone heading up in the near future.
Trailhead.
Dawn above trail camp.
Looking down at trail camp just before dawn.
Heading back down.
Back at trail camp and headed down.
