Mt. McKinley: Walter & Team Attempt to Carry but Fight the Winds.
Posted by: Mike Walter, Solveig Waterfall, Steve Gately
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 14,000'
May 19, 2014 - 10:20 pm PT
We had the stoves fired up bright and early this morning, preparing for an early start for our carry to above 16,000'. The skies were clear, the air was cold, and you could see snow blowing off the ridges at 17,000' and above. As we left camp this morning the winds were just starting to pick up down lower. By the time we reached 15,000' the winds were howling at 20-30 mph and it was brutally cold (ambient temperature was probably 0-5 degrees Fahrenheit). We quickly turned the ropes around and beat feet back to camp. We arrived back at camp amidst a ground blizzard and we all quickly retreated to the sanctuary of our sleeping bags to warm up.The winds continued into the afternoon before finally easing up. As I write this dispatch from our tent after dinner the winds are dead calm and the sky is clear above us.
Today was a good example of just how quickly conditions can change up here (and just how fickle the weather forecast is). Fortunately our team was prepared for mountain weather and we made the only prudent decision to return to the safety of our camp.
The weather forecast looks great for the next few days (for whatever that is worth), and we're optimistic we will be able to put in a cache up high tomorrow, as always, we'll keep you up to date with our progress.
Cheers,
RMI Guide Mike Walter & Team
×
Comments (2)
keeping an eye on u brother
Posted by: kevin on
Steve and Team,
Smart move. You hire professional guides not so much for their technical skill of how to climb but for their wisdom of knowing when to climb.
Hike well and be safe.
Dad
Posted by: Bill Gately on