With a rare all green avy forecast from nwac, Dave, Damon, Randall and I were ready to give Jim Hill Mtn a shot. It's got a sketchy reputation at the summit block when snow covered and a brush bash approach in the summer. So, finding a nice window to do this peak has been tough.
Dave, Damon and Randall were on skiis, while I used snowshoes. We took the Henry Creek approach and found good, solid snow for much of the way. The snow was starting to get a little sticky up in the sunnier parts of the slopes near the ridge at 5500'. It was nice to get back in the shade to traverse to the notch in between the summit and false summit.
Jim Hill summit block
At the notch, the skis and snowshoes were dropped in exchange for crampons and ice axes. There was one specific steep area with some run out but luckily the snow was good enough. It even looked as if someone recently skied from the summit. After getting past the steep spot, it was fairly easy to walk to the summit and enjoy the views.
Big Chiwaukum
Dave almost to the summit
We didn't stay too long at the top and down climbed back to our gear. The bucket steps stayed in good shape while downclimbing. Since I was in slowshoes, I took off while the skiers ate lunch. I figured I needed a head start as the skiers would have an easy time cruising back down the mountain.
going down the exposed ridge
downclimbing the steep step
It was a fun trip and glad we decided to go for something with a little spice on this low avy danger day. We reached the cars with much time left in the day. The skiers could have done many bonus laps.
6.5 miles
3900' elevation gain
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