The May 14th team decided to hold off on their move to high camp today, pushing the move to tomorrow in order to line up with what looks like a strong weather window for a summit attempt in the coming days.
It’s a smart, strategic call. Conditions at 14 Camp today were actually quite nice, just a bit cold in the morning, but the bigger picture matters more than any single move day. Getting to high camp is only valuable if the weather on the back end allows for a real summit push, and timing the move so the team is rested and well-positioned for a good window is exactly the kind of decision that defines a strong upper mountain strategy. Other teams used today to cache on the ridge in similar conditions, and the May 14th team’s guides made the call that works best for their group and their timeline.
The forecast for the next few days is what’s driving the plan. If conditions hold the way they’re projected to, the team will be in great shape to make a summit attempt when that window arrives. By moving to high camp tomorrow and giving themselves time to settle in at 17,200 feet, the team puts themselves in the best possible position to take advantage of the weather when it opens up.
For now, the May 14th team is at 14 Camp, resting, eating, and getting ready for a big move tomorrow. We’ll have more to share as the plan unfolds, and we’re feeling good about how the team is positioned heading into the next stretch of the climb.
—
Family and friends are encouraged to leave comments for their loved ones on this expedition. Please keep in mind that climbers will not be able to see posts or comments until they return to Talkeetna at the end of the expedition.
Don’t forget that you can subscribe to this expedition’s Field Reports by entering your email address in the form to the right or below if viewing via mobile. That way, you never miss an update!
Interested in more information about conditions and happenings on Denali? Be sure to also check out the Denali National Park’s Denali Dispatches Blog where they post weekly Field Reports.

