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Mt. Adams Climbing Conditions Report
ALERT: Williams Mine Fire 08/08/2024
The Mt. Adams Wilderness and areas surrounding the fire remain closed. This includes South Climb trailhead and Forest service Road 23. Access is restricted to the Pacific Crest Trail between Williams Mine and Potato Hill. For additional information and updates see: Fire Mangment.
South Climb Route Update: 07/29/24
Climbing Passes
From May 1 until September 30, passes are required. A climbing permit is required if traveling above 7000’. A wilderness permit is required instead if only traveling 7000’.
A pass must be always carried on your person AND be placed in the windshield of your vehicle. Print two copies or have one downloaded on your phone and one printed in your vehicle.
Passes to climb Mt. Adams are available online at www.recreation.gov/activitypass/mt- adams-climb. There is limited cell phone coverage in the Trout Lake area. Please plan ahead and purchase/print your passes ahead of arrival.
Free, self-issued, wilderness permits are available at the South Climb Trailhead.
Human Waste Carry-Out Bags:
Visitors climbing Mt. Adams must pack out their human waste. Decomposition processes above 7000’ elevation happen too slowly to keep up with what is being deposited in the ecosystem, so it is important that visitors follow this regulation to avoid the accumulation of human feces in the climbing area. We currently provide human waste carry-out bags (scat packs) free of charge in front of the Mt. Adams Ranger District office. Please pack out your own bags, there are no collection services available.
South Climb Trailhead Access:
As of July 29th, 2024, the road to the South Climb trailhead is completely melted out and fully accessible. Please be advised that the parking lot has limited space, please park off the road to allow easy access for emergency vehicles. Parking in front of the trailhead or parking in spots reserved for emergency vehicle access is prohibited.
Conditions:
Weather
- NW Avalanche Report
- Washington Mountain Weather Forecast for Mt Adams:
- NOAA point forecast (Elev. 9829)
- NOAA interactive snow map
Climbers should be aware that forecasts for the surrounding areas do not necessarily reflect mountain weather. Please reference a point forecast from NOAA or the National Weather Service for more specific information on weather conditions.
Mountain weather is always subject to change, be sure to check forecasts prior to departure, but plan accordingly for changing conditions.
Snowpack
As of July 29th, 2024, the snow line and snowpack are decreasing daily with high overnight temperatures causing the melt to continue unabated. Mountain conditions are changing rapidly. Snow conditions change often from compacted summer snow to sun cupped ice crust depending on elevation and aspect. As we move into more prolonged hot summer days, expect these conditions to intensify further until new snow hits in the fall.
Route Finding
The most straight forward route is currently the South Climb summer route (Crescent Ridge). Snow is starting near 7500 ft or around Crescent Ridge. As of July 29th, coverage on the summer route is sufficient to ski from the summit to crescent ridge, however snow is melting out every day at lower elevations and this may change quickly. Please remember that visibility will be limited as storms move in, especially at higher elevations, and tracks can be hard to see after fresh snow or melting events.
Glissading
Glissade with caution! Unmarked obstacles may be found in glissading chutes. Make sure chutes are clear of people below you and be aware of your speed. Remove crampons to avoid potential serious injury.
Road Conditions
The road to the South Climb trailhead requires good clearance and All Wheel Drive year-round. Four Wheel Drive is recommended. The road to the South Climb Trailhead is currently free of snow and the trailhead is fully accessible. When parking please be sure not to block or partially block other vehicles, the roadway, turnarounds, or trailhead parking area loops. Blocking traffic will prevent an ambulance and other emergency vehicles from accessing the trailhead in the event of an emergency. Park farther down the road, if necessary, in a pull-off well off the road surface.
Water
As of July 29th, 2024 creeks and streams are starting to become accessible in the Morrison drainage and in spot on lunch counter. Water is infrequent and unreliable at higher elevations although it can be found. Climbers should plan to bring an appropriate amount of water and/or plan on melting snow.
Search and Rescue
Safety Alert: Forest Service personnel are limited on Mt. Adams for the 2024 season, and response times may be longer than normal. Yakima County and the Mt. Adams Ranger District are working together to protect volunteers, employees, and visitors as best we can; however, response times may be up to 10 hours requiring injured or lost visitors to stay the night. Please plan accordingly.
Please make conservative choices, carry emergency gear, and plan for a self-rescue. Stay within sight and shouting distance of each member of your group; do not split-up. Although cell service can be found on the route, it is recommended to have a satellite communication device such as an InReach or Spot Unit on you when climbing in the wilderness. Keep at least one cell phone per group fully charged so that communication may be maintained in the event of a search and/or rescue.
If an incident occurs and self-rescue is not feasible, call the Yakima Sheriff's Department 509-574-2500.
