I was on Mt. Shuksan
June 1-3 via the Sulphide Glacier.
Trail was clear until 4,000 ft. where it
became snow covered – there is some pink flagging strewn about once the
trail disappears but basically just continue straight uphill from where you
lose the trail – caution for holes and hollow spots by buried trees etc. –
until you reach the ridgecrest then just head
right along the ridgecrest.
The glacier is still well covered but
holes are beginning to open up on the main route – of the most concern
hazard wise was the large slabs of snow falling off the rock slabs (known as
glide slab avalanches) that loom above the traverse to the upper camps – I
suggest that once you cross the last bit of exposed scree, rather than
following the main track in the snow as it traverses upward, just drop down
slightly (maybe a hundred feet) to a lower bench to traverse under the hazard
area – there is still a fair bit if snow hanging up there so be alert no
matter what way you travel.
Lots of people still skiing the glacier –
main gulley on summit pyramid still has some snow in it – I dug out the solar
toilets at both upper camps – temps where hot the whole time with no real
freeze overnight – however the snow is still supportive and foot steps
are only ankle deep.
Scott Davis
Mountain Guide