Chair Peak/Northeast Buttress (winter)

Trip

Intermediate Alpine Climb - Chair Peak/Northeast Buttress (winter)

Sit on The Chair in the winter -- one day climb for those hoping for intermediate ice credit.

  • Fri, Jan 13, 2017
  • Seattle Climbing
  • Climbing
  • Intermediate Alpine
  • Adults
  • Intermediate Ice Climb
  • Challenging
  • Mileage: 5.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,600 ft

5 AM at upper alpental lot -- early.  Sleep is overrated.  We'll have to keep moving for the short day. 

Sunrise is 7:49.  Sunset   4:38.  Moonset is 8:33 am (almost full moon).  The moon will be in the west, but might provide a little light as we look up toward the mountain. Skies should lighten by 7:15-7:30.  About 9 hours sunrise to sunset.

Time estimate:

3 hour approach

5 hours on the climb

2.5 hours on rappel descent

1.5 hours back to trailhead

Taking advantage of weather and snow conditions . 10% chance of precipitation, light winds, temperature in the 20s, but wind chill near zero.  Avalanche danger says watch for wind slabs on N-W-S slopes and any other slabs. There was about 10" of new snow in the last five days.  

Route/Place

Chair Peak/Northeast Buttress (winter)


Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

  • The Ten Essentials
  • Mountain boots that can accept crampons (not hiking boots)
  • Crampons
  • An ice axe (not technical ice tools)
  • A sleeping bag rated to +20 degrees or colder
  • A sleeping pad
  • A back pack (40 to 60 liters)
  • Webbing and accessory cords
  • 6 straight gate carabiners
  • 2 locking carabiners
  • Large pear-shaped locking carabiner
  • Belay device
  • Climbing harness
  • Helmet
  • Chock pick (nut tool)
  • Rescue pulley
  • Fleece or puffy jacket
  • Rain jacket and full-zip rain pants
  • Belay gloves
  • Warm gloves or mittens
  • Cordellete
  • Picket or other relevant protection
  • Extra webbing or cord
Trip Reports