AMS Alaska Range Update- June 27

 The June 16th Custom Denali Expedition, led by Ben Olwell and Will Plovanic, is doing well on their rest day at high camp, 17,200 feet. They are hydrating and eating as much as they can to prepare for their summit day attempt. The weather will dictate when they can give it a shot. Because of the high altitude, it is normal to move very slowly on summit day, and it can be difficult to stay warm in adverse weather, so the weather has to be pretty good to make a summit attempt. They have the time to wait, if they want. As one can imagine, high winds on the upper mountain are a common hazard, so the team will work together to build snow-block walls to protect their camp.

Wall building "party" at High Camp, 17,200' 

The June 16th Custom Peaks for Pia Denali Expedition, led by Nickel Wood and Luke Piatt. Had a good day at 14,200 camp. It was a very snowy day today, and even so, they descended to 13,500 to retrieve their previously cached items and returned to camp at 14,200 in good form. They are working hard up there and really are enjoying the gorgeous views for this new camp.  Next steps for them are to carry and cache up the fixed lines to 16,200' or higher. As always, climbing is weather-dependent. 

Snowy/ cloudy day at approx. 13,500, Windy Corner

14,200' Camp, Mt. Foraker, prominently in the background

The June 20th, 12-Day Mountaineering Course led by Claire Bicknell, Evan Clupper, and Intern Morgan Harris: Had a fun day ice climbing and rappelling in the rain in Little Switzerland (aka the Pika Glacier). This team of highly motivated folks is making the most of their time in the Alaska Range. We are so excited for them all!

Ice Climbing on Glacier ice!