Sunday, May 26, 2019

Inter Glacier May 26th, 2019

Views down the Inter Glacier into Glacier Basin 
With the opening of Highway 123, Highway 410, both Chinook and Cayuse Pass and the White River road, the Inter Glacier and Camp Schurman are now much more easily accessible for the summer season. Climbing rangers were able to snap a few shots of the route up the Inter Glacier just before the stormy, weekend weather settled in. Surprisingly, the only evidence of activity in the area was one set of ski tracks down the middle of the glacier.
Plenty of  untouched snow looking toward Steamboat Prow
Despite the relatively high snow line this spring, good snow coverage still exists from Glacier Basin and above. Skiers can expect to be hiking there skis up the trail, through patchy snow for roughly 2.5 miles before coverage becomes consistent enough for skinning. Coverage on the glacier remains very filled in and planar with minimal open crevasses. Climbers and skiers should still use caution when approaching any of the convexities within the terrain as they often harbor crevasses.
Widespread natural avalanche activity throughout the area
Although surface conditions held good corn in the late morning hours, natural avalanche activity was prevalent throughout the basin.  Stormy weather over the weekend continues to produce strong winds, low visibility and new precipitation that will undoubtedly decrease the stability of the snowpack. Skiers should come with the necessary equipment and skill sets to assess the snow stability and the terrain appropriately. Once the weather clears out and the new snow begins to settle, there will be plenty of great skiing for those willing to come and get it!