St Helens Summit

I used snowshoes the first half on the more level ground, and then switched to crampons shortly after you get past the trees, before the 4800 elevation sign that requires climbing permit. Lots of people were turning around (75-90%) due to the strong wind and cold. All the water inside my reservoir froze, and I was unable to get any water out of it, and had to chew on clean ice off the trail instead. Due to the lack of water and being dehydrated, I didn’t eat any of my food I was carrying, so I had no fuel going up or down the mountain. It was a real slog. I thought about turning around the whole time but forced myself to go on.

There was a perfect view with no clouds in sight when I summited.

I only glissaded for short moments but I would pick up too much speed too fast. Ice axe is definitely required for glissading and self arrest. The texture of the ground was mostly all ice near the top, so once you start slipping it will be hard to stop.