May 19 Denali West Buttress Expedition takes a weather and rest day

Mountain Trip Climber Linda Wohlgemuth called in on behalf of the May 19 Denali West Buttress Expedition, who took a weather and rest day at Camp 2 at 11,200′, waiting on better conditions and visibility to make the trek up to Camp 3 above 14,000′.

Like many of the groups on the mountain, the May 19 team has made the decision to not travel in the storm, a heavy southwest flow that typically plagues the range, dropping large amounts of snow and fierce, cold winds. The Alaska Range has little regard for the seasons, and climbers must have a strong sense of optimism during the (sometimes very persistent) storms.

The forecast,however, looks optimistic, showing that the heavy southwest flow will begin to dissipate by Thursday, May 25, and snow is likely to abate entirely by Saturday.

For more information on the weather on Denali from the National Weather Service, click here. We’re hoping for high pressure so that the team can continue their journey up the route.

Here’s Linda with the update (and a shout-out to her friends and family):

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7 Comments

  1. Great to hear your voice Linda!! Sounds like flexibility is the key to success for this summit but hope the weather calms itself down and you are all staying warm and having some fun being idle.

  2. Great to hear your voice Linda! You sound good. Hope the weather calms. Prayers continue for a safe hike. Take care my friend.

  3. Hi Ryan. Just wanted you to know that we are praying for y’all to have a wonderful trip up the mountain and that everyone grows from this trek.
    Wally Warrenburg

  4. Just catching up with this post; you sound as strong as ever Linda! with wishes for a successful, safe climb to all!
    Lynn

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