The DC route is largely the same route with many of the same hazards as in the previous post, but with a few small changes. Once to the top of the Cleaver, the route continues climbing uphill for around 300 feet to a large serac jumble (
referred to as the popcorn). Where the recent route climbed beneath this feature, the current route travels up and over this formation--which reduced the objective hazard, but by no means resolves the issue and hazards. From this point, continue climbing towards the Emmons Shoulder, traversing along an exposed fin with a very large crevasse just uphill until faced with a steep side-hill slope that will bring you back to the old route.
Be aware that with the elevated freezing levels and all the warm weather, the upper mountain has been changing very quickly. Serac movement can change the route quickly which may result in the route becomming impassable. As stated in previous blog posts, be ready for things to change rapidly and have a reserve of energy to overcome potential challenges if you happen to come across an route-finding or navigation issue while descending.
For a more detailed description on the entire route, see the previous Blog Post
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| A view looking up from the top of the Cleaver |
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| Climbing around the top of the serac feature above the Cleaver |
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| Looking towards the Emmons Shoulder. The Ranger is about to climb onto the fin. |
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| Climbing out onto the Emmons Shoulder with a handline |
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| The route is not without serac hazard. |
