North Side, Whitney/Bolam Glacier, Shastina

Conditions on the north side very similar to last year: icy, firm, wind scoured...a lot of rock and ice, and it should not be taken lightly. It doesn't take a trained eye to see the blue patches of ice on the various glaciers, like the Hotlum, Bolam and Whitney. Needless to say, these are no fall zones for climbers/skiers. Skied off Shastina down through the "angel wings" and found ~3" of fresh, cold snow. If you're feeling adventurous, some skiing could be had on the Bolam glacier.

Access: One can get to within about a mile and a half or so of the Northgate trailhead, and about the same for the Bolam trailhead. The Bolam trailhead road traverses through the Lava Fire burn scar and the road has been compromised. It is washed out in some places and very sandy, but passable with a 4wd.