Spring Lethargy Disorder had settled in. The Breakup Blues were gripping the Valley floors. It was time to take to the Alaska Range to squeeze the juice out the rest of the ski season and get warmed up for the busy Denali climbing season...
Easily accessible ski touring possibilities abound right from camp. (NPS Photo/Josh Hejl)
Denali Climbing Ranger Galen Dossin and Volunteers-in-Parks (VIPs), Josh Hejl and Andy Dennis (formerly of the 2022 West Buttress Break Down Patrol), focused on The Ramparts for AKR Patrol #1. The Ramparts are a cluster of granite spires west of the lower Kahiltna Glacier that has become an increasingly popular spring ski mountaineering arena.
A strong high-pressure system dominated Southcentral Alaska allowing the team to thoroughly explore the area. The Ramparts offer mellow glacier skiing, steep couloirs, and opportunities for long ski tours in multiple distinct basins. In general, the travel was straightforward with smaller glaciers and crevasses as compared to other venues in the Range.
Spectacular views of Cats Ears, with Sultana and Denali in the distance (NPS Photo/Josh Hejl)
The spring shed cycle was in full swing with solar aspects shedding wet loose and wet slab avalanches; timing was critical to harvest supportable corn snow. Polar aspects held stable faceted square powder, graupel gardens, and sparkly surface hoar. Height of snow was about 300cm at our off-glacier camp location. Cornices were large and demanded our respect.
Highlights of AKR Patrol #1 include communing with midnight ptarmigan, long and varied ski tours, and phenomenal views of the high peaks.
An example of one of the more friendly ridges to travel on or under. (NPS Photo/Andy Dennis)
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April 30, 2024
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Last updated: April 30, 2024