Basic Alpine Climb - South Early Winter Spire/Southwest Couloir

We'll meet at the Blue Lake Trailhead at 6:30 a.m. It's a long drive so I recommend driving up the day before. The parking lot will be snowed in so we'll need to park on the side of the road.

The approach will likely require snowshoes. Climbers must be comfortable climbing and rappeling on steep snow in crampons. Basic students should have completed their SIG rock field trip, SIG snow field trip, field trip #3 (climb, belay, rappel), and field trip #4 (snow travel), or at least be confident that they are competent in those skills. Basic graduates are welcome.

WSDOT has started work to clear and reopen the North Cascades Highway (SR20). The climb date is based on an estimate that it will take four weeks to complete. If it takes longer (or the weather forecast is poor) the climb  may be rescheduled.