Denali Expedition: Bond and Team Turn at 16,800’ Due to Avalanche Risk
Posted by: Andy Bond, Jack Delaney, Joey Manship
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 14,200'
-640x480.jpg)
Friday, June 23, 2023, 8:40 am PDT
Our Team is back at 14,000’ Camp after a long day of waist to chest trail breaking and ultimately avalanche conditions on the West Buttress. We made it to Washburn’s Thumb at 16,800’, all pickets were buried and not found except for the ones near slopes that naturally avalanche. The Autobahn is incredibly loaded with snow, and I am sure you will not find a single one of the 35 pickets across it!
Our plan is to head to the airstrip tonight and hope to fly. No one has flown since last Sunday and snow is in the forecast all week, so we will see!
RMI Guide Andy Bond and Team
×
Comments (7)
What an amazing achievement! So proud of your perseverance and grateful for your respect for the awesomeness of nature.
Posted by: Len Stevens on
A disappointment, but not a defeat. You measured up well against one of the sternest challenges.
Posted by: Mike Forsyth on
Amazing job, MiKayla and Team! You achieved so much and choosing better safe than sorry was very wise. Safe return!! Love you, Tante Mary
Posted by: Mary McKinley on
What an experience and memories you’ve had and made. I can’t wait to see pictures. The key word when challenging nature is safely.
P.S. Super proud of you Mikayla!
Posted by: Michelle DeMers on
Wow! What an adventure! So proud of all of you and the memories you’ve made. You’re the perfect example that it’s the journey in life that counts, not the destination! :). Sending you all lots of love and hugs (especially Hart :).
Posted by: Hart's Family on
Aw Mikayla I’m so sorry!!! So frustrating but I’m glad you guys are being safe. Miss you and hope to see you soon!! Love ya girl
Posted by: Abbie Buonomo on
I would have to say that this was an excellent run! Making it to the summit would have been great but there is so much more to this experience than just the summit. Well done! Slainte!
Posted by: Sheila Forsyth on