We could have made an argument to use skis for a good part of this trip up Mount Avalanche in early July. But we made an early start and thankfully the snow remained firm underfoot for most of the morning.
Taking a break on a rocky knoll we saw a coyote sprinting across the snowfield opposite. We'd never seen coyotes around here before and it seemed strange to see this one in such open terrain. Perhaps he was hoping to snag an unwary marmot emerging from its burrow.
We gained the crest easily enough and began working our way along the ridge, sometimes on rock, sometimes on increasingly sloppy snow.
Although the SW ridge is supposedly just a 3rd class scramble, having descended this way once before (after climbing the SE ridge) we knew that there was at least one tricky bit. Sure enough at one steep corner festooned (yes!) with rap tat we were left scratching our heads at the "3rd class" designation. Rather than dorking around we got the rope out for the two slightly unhappy seconds and were soon kicking steps up the final steep pitch of snow below the summit.
It took much longer than anticipated (doesn't it always) but we finally topped out by early afternoon.
The snow made for a mercifully fast descent to the snow line but the switchbacks on the Avalanche Crest trail still seemed interminable.
A great day out. Thanks to Craig for the company. Sorry we got you home so late.
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