Mt. McKinley: Walter & Team Remain at 14,000’
Posted by: Billy Haas, Solveig Waterfall, Mike Walter
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 14,200'
May 27, 2015 - 10:38 pm PT
We woke early this morning, ate, took down our tents and packed our backpacks. We even had our harnesses on. The weather was perfect. But after checking multiple weather resources, our decision was clear. Weather models were in agreement, forecasting gale force winds in excess of 65mph tomorrow at high camp. It would not have been prudent to risk going up high today and deal with potential tent-crushing winds tomorrow. So we unpacked and set up our tents anew.
Throughout the emotional swings of this morning, our team has remained resolute. Safety is our number one priority up here in the mountains, and we will try for our summit push after tomorrow's winds abate. In fact, the forecast looks quite good for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. We're optimistic that we'll have good shot to move up to high camp on Friday.
In the mean time today, we're enjoying the best weather day of our whole trip. It's sunny, calm, and warm here at 14,200'.
Pete Van Deventer's expedition is up high on the ridge today, caching supplies for their stint at high camp (which will likely coincide with ours). Adam Knoff's expedition rolled into camp today also, and they're busy setting up their camp. It's good to see a lot of friendly RMI climber faces here at camp.
We'll keep you posted any news from our end.
Cheers,
RMI Guide Mike Walter
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