Mount St. Helens - Worm Flows Route — Friday, Jan. 3, 2025

So many variables.  Use caution.  The drive up to the Sno-Park was very cleared and looks like the plowing contract came through. Such a breeze to get to parking.  At the trailhead there is a lot of mud, slush and melting snow.  You can get away with just wearing boots (with ice spike option) for first half mile to one mile.  Then it is essential that you put on snowshoes or skis with skins.  The snow gets very deep and powdery quickly.  It appeared one person attempted the approach in boots and was sinking around 3 feet.  I wore size 25 Tubbs Mountaineering snowshoes and floated quite nicely.  The other issue is the rain.  The approach to around 1300feet gain was all rain for me.  Then it switches to snow and dropping temperature. The rain on my gear froze to ice.  Recommend your most extreme 3L Gore-Tex shell and pants.  At the tree-line, I ventured up to be met with high winds and snow.  I think skis with skins would be best.  I was going with the snowshoe and switch to crampon approach because I stink at skiing. White out conditions and summit could not be seen.  The Avalanche risk was moderate to high.  In the town of Cougar I was warned of a 20-30 foot cornice that was ready to release.  I turned around for safety and will go back another day.  Such a great route and hopefully this intel helps.  Cheers.