Coleman Headwall
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Contents |
Route Photo
Description
The Coleman Headwall is a steep, glacial icefall from Mount Baker's summit icecap to the Coleman Glacier. Often a bergschrund will span the entire upper face, making it necessary to descend the top portions along its western edge near the upper Roman Nose before traversing onto the central face. From here, the icefall splits into two lower snouts. While the western variation offers the best fall line, especially if the upper headwall is included, the easterly variation can be a viable option if crevasses make this route untenable.
Details
| Mountain | Mount Baker | |
| Aspect | Northwest | |
| Local Relief | 7,178 ft (2,188 m) | |
| Ski descent from | Grant's Peak to Heliotrope Ridge trailhead | |
| Average Slope | Vertical | Source |
| 45° | 1,600 ft (488 m) | Route Topo |
| Approach | Glacier Creek Road, Heliotrope Ridge | |
Documented Descents
- There is a rumor of a descent by Bela Vadasz in the late 1980s (CascadeClimbers).
- 2002.06.15: ski descent of west lobe by Charlie Berg and Ben and Troy Manfredi (CascadeClassics, Northwest Mountaineering Journal).
- 2003.06.25: solo ski descent of east lobe by Ben Manfredi (CascadeClassics).
- 2007.06.02: ski descent of east lobe by Phil Fortier and Jason Hummel (CascadeCrusades)
Labelled Route Photo
The main headwall is in purple. The Roman Nose variation is in red. The east lobe is green and the west lobe is yellow.
Ski Photo
Phil Fortier skis the Coleman Headwall.
Route Topo
