Areas of deep snow with occasional postholing, especially later in the day, in South Colony Basin. Switchbacks to Humboldt Col were about 50% snow covered - ice axe was useful in this section, particularly in the morning when the snow was firm. The trail was fairly easy to follow, though some of the switchbacks are buried. Some parts of this section were melting out rapidly on the descent. The West Ridge itself was mostly bare rock, with some sections of snow and ice where the trail meanders onto the N. side of the ridge. Can be avoided by staying on the rocks on the ridge proper, instead of following the trail. Snow quality varies greatly from S. facing aspects, where it is subject to freeze-thaw cycles, to N. facing ones, where it is loose and poorly bonded.
Equipment: carried microspikes and axes. Spikes were optional; used axes on ascent to saddle, but can probably manage without. Would expect conditions to change considerably with approaching low pressure systems this week.
|
