Denali Expedition: Champion & Team Face Tough Decision, To Go Up or Down
Posted by: Nikki Champion, Leif Bergstrom, Lauren Macklin
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 14,000'
Tuesday, May 30, 2023 - 10:55 pm PT
Yet another weather day, we woke up to snow covered tents and cold temperatures. We had our final bagel meal of the trip, paired with smoked salmon. As we sat in and out of the clouds, and snowfall we waited for the other RMI teams to descend from 17,000' Camp. Tomorrow morning marks a decision point. We need a three day weather window to open up before Thursday for us, otherwise we run out of food at 14,000' Camp, and then have to go retrieve our cache from 16,300' and then eat our summit food. Leaving us out of food if a summit window did open up later. Tomorrow morning we should have clarity if Wednesday, Thursday, Friday will be a viable option. The other tricky component is a very large system seems to be slated to hit the mountain Friday, bringing more snow and more wind. This storm could run it's course as late as next Tuesday or so. Leaving us completely out of food by the time weather improves. All that said, with an updated forecast tomorrow morning we may make the call to either go for it, or to grab the cache and get out so we don't get stuck for the entire storm. We will check in tomorrow with whatever we hear!
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Comments (8)
Proud of you Matt and team for all you have accomplished!
Posted by: Kathleen George on
Positive vibes headed your way for a good weather window! Keep it up Dawn, you got this!!
Posted by: Kendyl on
Hey Kevin and Team , I’m sending my best wishes for a good weather window for a chance to stand on top!!! Be Nice Mother Nature!!!
Farmer Dave
Posted by: Dave Kestel on
Tough news Kevin and team! Hoping for better weather! Regardless, an experience to remember!
Posted by: Karie Seubert on
I am in awe of all of you—great job! Kevin I’m reading the blogs and the photos are spectacular. Up or down I’m impressed!
Posted by: Jennifer Cout on
Great job everyone and a special thanks to Brian Kainec from Northern Virginia who represented the Wynkoop Collective and the rest of the team (Kurt, Mike and Jeff).
Posted by: Joseph Lopez on
Eric - hope you got better news this AM. Either way, can’t wait to hear the tale -
Posted by: Alex on
Whatever happens, it has been an experience, i am sure. Proud of you Dawn!! you have a TON of people cheering you on. A TON!!!
Posted by: tiff on