Here is an update for the Emmons/Winthrop route. The bulk of the route information is similar to the last blog post. You can follow this link to access that post.
The main area of concern for the rangers continues to be the bergschrund at 13,200'. Here the old trail crosses this large crevasse on an ever-shrinking snow bridge. The old trail is still the easiest to discern but PLEASE DO NOT GO THIS WAY! This snow bridge looks like it will collapse very soon. If it collapses while a team is on it the consequences will be catastrophic.
Instead, at the junction at 13,200', look for a fainter boot pack that will take you up and right (northerly) toward Winthrop Saddle above the upper Winthrop Glacier. This is the safer route.
There are still many hollow spots along the Corridor, so use caution. On Sunday there was a report of an independent climber falling in a crevasse. Fortunately the individual was uninjured and his partners were able to extricate him. This is the second reported crevasse fall on the Emmons in two weeks. In both cases the team was able to self-rescue. This is commendable. Parties attempting any route on Rainier must have the equipment and skills to perform crevasse rescue.
The main area of concern for the rangers continues to be the bergschrund at 13,200'. Here the old trail crosses this large crevasse on an ever-shrinking snow bridge. The old trail is still the easiest to discern but PLEASE DO NOT GO THIS WAY! This snow bridge looks like it will collapse very soon. If it collapses while a team is on it the consequences will be catastrophic.
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| This is the snow bridge that we would like climbers to avoid. |
Instead, at the junction at 13,200', look for a fainter boot pack that will take you up and right (northerly) toward Winthrop Saddle above the upper Winthrop Glacier. This is the safer route.
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| Fork in the road. 13,200'. You want to go right here, toward the ranger. |
Lastly, PLEASE DON'T LEAVE TRASH AT CAMP SCHURMAN (or anywhere on the mountain). Climbing rangers were a little dismayed at the amount of stuff abandoned near the hut when they arrived Friday. There was a foam sleeping pad, trash bags, a coffee mug, trash in the bear box which is used for food storage near the hut, etc. Please remember to pack out all that you pack in to the mountain.
We're definitely entering late season on the mountain. Come get it while it's still good.
We're definitely entering late season on the mountain. Come get it while it's still good.
