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North Couloir

4th Mod. Snow, Trad, Snow, Alpine, 1000 ft (303 m), Grade II,  Avg: 2.5 from 6 votes
FA: unknown
California > High Sierra > 09 - Palisades… > Thunderbolt Peak

Description

The crux when I did it, crossing the bergshrund. Fun scrambling and climbing just left of the snow. One of many routes to the summit of Thunderbolt. Approach from Sam Mack Meadow and the Thunderbolt glacier. Once at the top of the couloir, it's a short scramble to the true summit.

Not sure of the sorting here. Underhill Couloir and Australian Arete are to the left of North Couloir and use the same approach from Glacier lodge.

Location

See beta photo.

Protection

In low snow years this is a scramble. At other times you may want axe and crampons.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Thunderbolt to Sill
[Hide Photo] Thunderbolt to Sill
Climbing the N couloir of Thunderbolt Peak
[Hide Photo] Climbing the N couloir of Thunderbolt Peak
Approaching Thunderbolt Peak in the spring
[Hide Photo] Approaching Thunderbolt Peak in the spring
Lightning rod
[Hide Photo] Lightning rod
The North Couloir in red. Northeast Couloir in yellow.
[Hide Photo] The North Couloir in red. Northeast Couloir in yellow.
Skiing the N Couloir of Thunderbolt Peak
[Hide Photo] Skiing the N Couloir of Thunderbolt Peak
Booting Thunderbolt Peak
[Hide Photo] Booting Thunderbolt Peak
Reflection of the Palisade Crest in tarn.
[Hide Photo] Reflection of the Palisade Crest in tarn.
Near the top of North Couloir. Temple and Gayley seen.
[Hide Photo] Near the top of North Couloir. Temple and Gayley seen.
The Palisade Crest. T-bolt to Sill. North Couloir on the right
[Hide Photo] The Palisade Crest. T-bolt to Sill. North Couloir on the right