Mt. Rainier: Bringing The Heat
Meteorologist Chris Tomer &
Jon Kedrowski
7/30/2009 – 8/1/2009

    Joined Jon Kedrowski (my climbing partner of 10 years) for a climb up Mt. Rainier (14,410′) in Washington.  Seattle recorded its hottest day in recorded history upon arrival: 103 degrees.  The 25 active glaciers flanking Rainier were melting fast at all elevations.  We used the Emmons Glacier route via Shurman Camp.  It’s roughly 20 miles roundtrip with 11,000feet of vertical climbing one-way. 
    The trailhead starts at 3,000feet elevation.  We started at 3pm in 90-degree heat and reached Shurman Camp (9,500ft elevation) around 7pm.  The sun was setting so we cooked dinner and setup camp.  Most groups woke up around midnight and started for the summit around 1am.  We cooked breakfast and departed around 2:30am.  The stiffling heat was causing glaciers to move, split, and come crashing down with a thundering thud.  It was critical to travel during the night while the temperatures were coolest and the glaciers firmest.  We roped up for safety.   
    We hit the summit around 7am and celebrated with Red Bulls.  This was Jons’ fifth Rainier summit – 2nd from via the Emmons Glacier plus three via D-C/Muir Camp route.  
    The descent was full of cravasse dodging.  The sun had risen and temps warmed rapidly.  We hiked most of the way down in t-shirts.  We packed up camp and reached the trailhead around 2pm.  A complete summit with basecamp in under 24-hours!

Mt. Rainier summit (14,410') Jon Kedrowski and Chris Tomer via Emmons Glacier route.

Basecamp at Shurman (9,500ft).