Thursday, June 06, 2024

Emmons- Winthrop Conditions

Pictures from June 1, 2024 

This blog is maintained by the MRNP Climbing Ranger team for use by recreational non-guided climbers. Use these reports as a baseline, but plan for changing conditions.

Photo of Steamboat Prow and Camp Schurman 6/1/24




Overview:

Our generally stormy spring has continued, with windy stormy days interspersed with some periods of nicer weather, where many parties have reached the summit. These pictures are from around 6/1, before the last storm, and with the new snow, these features have been covered in new wind-blown snow, which is now receiving some solar heating. With these conditions, hazards include:

               + Avalanche hazard with the shed cycle
               + Slower travel through variable snow
               + Crevasses thinly concealed by blown snow

View up towards the Corridor from Camp Schurman

Route:

The Emmons-Winthrop route currently runs straight up The Corridor before trending right into the Alpine Meadows Area around 12,600’. There is potential that the terrain above Alpine Meadows could be travelled directly upwards, but it would make for steep travel, and groups have largely been opting to continue the long traverse climbers right onto the Winthrop shoulder before coming back climbers left again to gain the summit. Incoming weather could mean significant changes to the visibility and stability of individual crevasse crossings, reassess them accordingly.

The Corridor - skiers should note that continuing fall-line down the corridor into the Emmons without stopping at camp does require crossing through areas of open crevassing not encountered on the climb up.