Mt Adams: Earning Summer Turns

Consensus within the summer snow beta is that the Southwest Chutes on Mt Adams currently hold the best snow in WA state.  Mt Adams is the second highest peak in WA state and the 3rd highest of the Cascade Volcanoes.  With triple digit heat approaching the valleys, we loaded up the gear, and headed to the South Cascades for a summit attempt along with the hope for some good Summer turns.  As a result of the poor 2015 winter snow totals, at this point in the summer season, the vast majority of surfaces on the WA state glaciers and snowfields are already resembling September conditions.  On Adams, there are couple natural topographical features that protect some of the surfaces from sun cuppage.  We walked in Wednesday, and set camp at the snowline (8.5k).  On Thursday, we lapped the Crescent Glacier and rode fairly smooth corn that went from undercooked to overcooked in a span of about 3 hours.  Each lap was about 900 vf of consistent 35 to 40 degree pitch.  Of the 7 descents, 2 were about perfect, the rest came with varying degrees of suffering.  

On Friday, we set out for the summit at sunrise, and were on top by 10AM.   Although it was barely freezing, the ascent route was firm.  The lower angle initial approach was skinnable up to about 10.5K.  The remaining 1.8k was booting with crampons.  A quick cost/benefit analysis at 11.5k led us to decide not to ski from the summit.  We dropped all non essential gear at 11.5k and ascended the last 800 vf with light packs.  The entire ascent is low risk and non-technical.  The steepest section is near the false summit (11.5k), and approaches 40 degrees, but it very short.  From the trailhead to the summit, you gain about 6.5k in elevation.

The plan was to descend from 11.5K down to 7K via the skiers left side of the main chute.  Our timing was pretty good.  Of the 4.5k of descending with boards on our feet, about half provided really fun snow for everyone.  The very top was a bit too firm, and the bottom 1k was 6 inches of schmoo.  The Schmoo rode really nice on a snowboard, so I found the lower snow to be similar to an enjoyable river surfing session.  My partners were on skis, so they suffered a bit at the bottom.  The middle section was as good as any summer snow I have ridden since moving here.  From 7k, we loaded the downhill gear on the packs, and ascended what was the most technical section of the trip.  It was a near vertical wall of soft snow finishing with a short but difficult scramble back into camp at 8.5k.  

We hiked out early AM yesterday and made it back to town by noon.  This one is a bit more of a commitment than the Muir Snowfield at Mt Rainier, but if you are interested in a summer turn earning adventure, this is doable from Portland.  The trailhead is about 2 hrs from Portland.  The carry up to the snow is about a 4 hour walk.  There are several guide services in Portland with this trip on their menu.

The forecast high temperature in the Wenatchee valley for today is 111.  For me, Winter can't come soon enough.  

Shots from the trip:

The Approach

The Camp

Skinning Across the Sea of Sun Cups

Booting

At 11.5k looking at Mount St Helens

The Summit

The Look Back from 7k at the Descent Route

Thanks for sharing

Looks like fun

Super TR and great photos Nepa.  You live a fantastic part of the country for outdoor recreation.  Even without the skiing, jsut being in that setting and scenery is fantastic.  It's been a good 12-15 years since I've hiked / backpacked in the PNW, gotta get back there, climb a volcano and ski a glacier.

With Jeff on that.. Even for sailing too.. Another expensive sport we do.

such a great TR. Wish we could find snow on an East Coast mountain - well in the lower 47 (I am not including Texas)..

Thanks Guys.  If you ever plan a visit, let me know.  I'd be happy to provide advice.

I'd give anything to camp out on that snowpack right now. Thanks for sharing, as always.

very cool, love pics 3 & 4 of the sun cups