For this point in July, the Emmons is holding up quite well. Mount Rainier has experienced consistently high freezing levels in the past week (~14,500ft) and the extended forecast is predicting this trend to continue into next week. With this warming, expect to encounter suspect snow bridges, widening cracks, and a continually changing route.
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| View of the Emmons-Winthrop |
Even though there may be a well worn boot-pack in spots, this route may have been established when bridges were more supportive and conditions were different.
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| Snow Bridge at 11,400 |
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| Snow Bridge at 12,800 |
Climbers are encouraged to analyze their decisions when picking the best route, don’t blindly follow the path most traveled. Consider options to end-run hollow bridges, take a different path, or if it’s not feeling right head back to camp!
