Mount St. Helens - Worm Flows Route — Friday, Feb. 19, 2010

Left the Sno-Park just after 7am (after sleeping in the car). Even though the Sno-Park was free of snow, patches of compacted, icy snow appeared soon. The snow remained hard all the way up. Used Microspikes, and later snowshoes (mainly for the heel elevator, not because I was sinking). The route was easy to follow, thanks to existing tracks, didn't need to consult the map or GPS. There were two steep (30-35°) sections where I almost wished I had crampons, but I did fine with the snowshoes. The biggest challenge was an almost constant, chilling downhill wind, gaining in intensity near the top. I doubt I would have made it to the top if it had been as cold during as it's supposed to be in February. Encountered a few parties on the way up, one at the top, and more than I cared to count on the way down (most with skis or snowboards). The Sno-Park was more or less empty. Didn't see or hear a single snow-mobile (probably thanks to the complete lack of snow at the Sno-Park). Bringing an ice axe is a good idea. I saw someone slip (despite wearing crampons) and slide right past me in one of the steep sections; luckily he was able to self-arrest. The route is perfect for glissading, though the snow was still too hard near the top when I started descending ~11am. Further down, the best path for glissading lead into a chute to the west of the ridge that the route follows; probably not a good idea when avalanche danger isn't low.

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