Great weather, but cold. 45 mph winds at the top with single digit windchill. Snow on the trail began at 8,000′. Crampons/ice axe required right below the Limber Pines Bench and all the way up to the summit, because of the freeze/thaw conditions. We took the main chute directly up to the summit.
Please take heed: Don't use micro spikes in icy conditions where there is any steepness to the terrain. They will not work. SAR had to be called to save a woman who slipped 500′ down the icy slope. This could've been prevented if only she had crampons/ice axe, and the skills to use them correctly. Save your life and possibly your friend's. Be prepared, turn around, or don't go. The mountains will always be there. XXOO
Responses
Great advice, Yolanda! Thanks for sharing and congrats on your summit.