Granite Mountain, Granite Mountain - Winter — Friday, Jan. 5, 2001

Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass

We arrived at the trailhead at 12:30p the weather was sunny and clear. We ascented the mountain with a party of six. 1 mile into the trail the route was covered with snow but easy to find. Avelanche danger was moderate so we made an ascent up the chute. When we arrived at the rocky ridge on the left side of the chute the wind began to blow 30 mph. One climber took off her fleece hat and it blew over the side of the mountain at 30 mph. From here to the summit the wind increased up to 40-50 mph, the route was not designated but there were footprints and it was easy to see the watchtower to find the way. Ice axes were absolutely neccesary to reach the summit and crampons were definitely useful as 3/6 people had them and used them. At the summit we were granted a clear 360 view of the cascades. We headed back down shortly and were forced to hike in the dark for 1hr reaching the trailhead at 5:30p. Headlamps were useful as were windproof jackets.