The snow continues to fall on the mountain, with teams reporting significant accumulations at all elevations.  The forecast is for more of the same, with winds increasing on the upper mountain over the weekend.

Everyone is just sitting tight, working on their camps, which is a never-ending routine when the snow falls.  Tents need to be dug out, snow walls fortified… there is always something to do.  When the climbers are not moving piles of white, they are congregating in their kitchen tent, which is a refuge from the confinement of their tents and the site of all things social on Denali.

The kitchen tent is something we have evolved over the decades. The idea is that you have a floorless tent in which you can fit your entire team. Add a half dozen stoves and it gives shelter from the storm!

The kitchen tent is the center of the white universe of a snowstorm.

Our May 3rd and May 5th teams are both hunkered down at the 14,200′ camp.  May 8 and 12 teams are doing the same at 11,200′.  We have a team that attempted Mount Hunter, but did not get a chance to summit, due to the heavy snow, that is waiting for a flight out back in Base Camp.  They are helping our guide Josh look after Mark and Wasfia, who have been waiting for a flight out as well.

Hurry up and wait… That is one of the mantras of expedition climbers…