Mount Baker via Coleman-Deming — June 2023 Summit Report¶

Mount Baker is one of the snowiest mountains in the world — the summit holds the world record for single-season snowfall. The Coleman-Deming route traverses the heavily crevassed Coleman Glacier before climbing the Roman Wall to the crater rim. The summit crater, steaming with volcanic heat, is a surreal moonscape. Our clear-day views spanned from Mt. Rainier to the Canadian Coast Range.

Trip Overview¶

Mountain: Mount Baker (3286m) Date: June 18, 2023 Duration: 2 days Party Size: 4 Outcome: Summit

Conditions¶

Weather: Pacific Northwest weather cooperated for once — clear skies above a sea of clouds. The entire Cascades chain was visible from summit. Snow: Excellent spring snow, firm morning conditions. Large crevasses opening on Coleman Glacier. Temperature: -6°C to 8°C Wind: Moderate 15-25 km/h, stronger near the Roman Wall

Difficulty Assessment¶

The Coleman-Deming route is a glacier climb with significant crevasse hazard. The Roman Wall — a 40-degree snow slope just below the summit — is the crux. Navigation in whiteout is the main challenge as the upper mountain is featureless.