Updates from AMS Teams On Denali's (McKinley) West Buttress - June 8, and all is well.

NPS Image and route overlay

 

Camped at 14,200 feet tonight

The May 25th Expedition, led by Cody Pitz

and 

The May 30th Custom Expedition, led by Eric Roberts: 

They are both taking another rest/weather day at the 14,200' camp before they move to High Camp at 17,200 feet.  They report that at the 14,200' camp today, there is light snowfall, and they are watching a massive lenticular cloud over the summit. Lenticular clouds indicate very high winds, so they are happy to be waiting it out below. If the winds dissipate tonight and tomorrow, they both plan to move to high camp in the morning. They are having tasty meals this evening, with Cody's team enjoying a Thai noodle-based meal. 

14,200 Camp on Denali's West Buttress, June 2024

Camped at 11,000 feet tonight

The June 2nd Expedition, led by Simon Frez-Albrecht, took a well-deserved rest day at the 11,000-foot camp today. While acclimating to the elevation, the covered skills included crampon techniques, self-arrest, and running protection. The terrain gets steeper now, and they will make the switch from snowshoes to crampons from here on up. They are planning to carry to 13,500 feet, just around Windy Corner, tomorrow if the weather allows. All is well!

June 4th Ski Expedition, led by Adam Fabrikant: Adam, Billy, and Chris took a well-deserved rest day at 11,000 feet today. They used this day to reorganize and acclimate before their move to 14,200 feet. They ran into a friend on the route who has Starlink mini and sent this photo from camp this afternoon. 

Chris and Billy, enjoying the sun at 11,000 feet on the West Buttress Route, today!

June 4th Expedition, led by Porter Crockard: Porter, Cheyenne, and Shanta carried around Windy Corner this morning to approximately 13,400 feet, in the cool temperatures, and were back in camp by 2:30 PM. They report that all is good! They will be watching the weather and, as it allows, they are considering a move to 14,200 feet tomorrow. 

Descending from Windy Corner towards 11,000 feet.