An unusually cool spring and early summer followed the heavy snows of El Nino of the winter of 1997-98, resulting in a Sierra snowpack that remained skiable until mid-July. We entered into this winter wonderland in the early evening to prepare for our ascent of Mt. Dana the following day.
Mt. Dana (center, behind), as seen from US 395, near June Mountain.
The moon rises above rocks illuminated by alpenglow.
Our trip began at just over 10,000 feet, just outside the Tioga Pass entrance to the park. In an effort to finish the bulk of the ascent on firm snow, and avoid the risk of afternoon avalanches during the descent, we awoke at 3:15 am, and departed from the trailhead at 4:45 am. Not far into the ascent, we were rewarded with some lovely alpenglow.
Mark early in the ascent, with the Sierra high country behind.
Further along the 3,000 foot ascent, we attained a ridge leading to the summit from the north. Approaching this ridge with care rewarded us with startling views of the summit and Dana Plateau, 1,500 feet below.
The summit of Mt. Dana as viewed from the heavily corniced north ridge.
Although the summit lay only roughly 800 feet higher, the altitude slowed our pace to a crawl. Nonetheless, we reached the summit at our planned time of 11:00 am.
Mark labors his way through a rocky section just short of the summit.
Al stands victorious on the Mt. Dana summit, elevation 13,053 feet.
Visibility was excellent, and the views astounding.
Mono lake, as seen from the summit.
A panoramic view as seen from the summit of Mt. Dana. June Mountain ski area can be seen at the far left, and Tuolumne Meadows, Lembert Dome, and Cathedral Peak can all be seen at the right.
While eating our lunch atop the summit of Mt. Dana, we made a few friends! Several surprisingly friendly (hungry) marmots approached very close to us.
A marmot atop Mt. Dana.
These little furry creatures, in addition to being incredibly cute and wise (they do, after all, live in some very beautiful places), also happen to make some fantastic gear and clothing .
Time for descent! After changing gear we headed down the south ridge of Mt. Dana, towards Dana Couloir. Dropping over 1,000 vertical feet at a steady 40-45 degrees, the couloir offered fantastic skiing, especially in the near perfect corn offered by the couloir's northeast exposure.
Mark carves up the corn in the upper regions of the couloir. The shear east face of Mt. Dana lies behind.
Mark further down in the couloir, with Dana Plateau and an icy blue Dana Lake behind and below.
Seen from afar, the couloir takes on stunning proportions.
Al in the upper regions of the couloir. A healthy crevace can be seen at the terminus of the couloir.
Al descends the lower portion of the chute. The summite of Dana looms above. The bergschrund at the upper reaches of the glacier lying below the east face can clearly be seen.
Our descent took us down through the basin below Mt. Dana and past Dana Lake. Staying on the opposite side of the basin allowed us to avoid the steady current of avalanches shedding from the corniced north ridge of Mt. Dana.
A view of the couloir and some surrounding chutes. The pitch of the couloir is clearly visible here.
A view of Mt. Dana and the couloir from near Dana Lake.
Unfortunately, our trip concluded with a seemingly endless traverse across ankle to knee high suncups. Nonetheless, all was remedied by a quick stop at the hot springs in Mammoth and a hefty plate of nachos at a Mexican cafe in Bishop. Definitely a succesful trip.