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06-16-2016-Clear Creek
General Conditions
The road to the Clear Creek trailhead is free of snow and OPEN. Summit passes, wilderness permits, and pack-out bags are available. The Clear Creek route is partially snow covered with large portions of exposed rock along the route. This route usually melts out fairly quickly. Skiing is not recommended on this route any longer, but we've been proven wrong in the past. With so many other great routes for skiing currently, you'd be foolish to try and ski this route. Bring a map and compass/GPS and know where you are going. If off route, one will encounter Mud Creek Canyon, glaciers and much more dangerous conditions. We like to stress that even though the CC route is listed as the easiest route on the mountain, do not take it lightly and be prepared. The traverse above the Wintun Glacier to the Summit Plateau is the "crux" of the climb, (if you rule out simply the long, loose nature of the climb itself)! Rockfall has been encountered here. An ice axe, crampons and helmet are recommend for this route even though you may not need them. Advice that these items are not needed has gotten folks into trouble in the past. IF you stay on route however and are comfortable with the possibility of some low to moderate angle travel on potentially firm snow, you may not need ice axe/crampons. User beware.
Do NOT climb into a white-out. Many climbers have become lost on the upper mountain and descended the wrong side of the mountain during low visibility conditions.
The springs are a great spot to get water, but not quite at this point as they are covered in snow. The water is not tested at the springs, but the rangers drink it often and have never become ill. Currently, you can find snow at higher elevations than the spring to get water, though you'll most likely be boiling snow and will not find running water.
Please, DO NOT camp near the springs and STAY OFF the fragile vegetation when it melts out. Rangers take this very seriously and you will be issued a citation if camping to close. Camp at least 100 feet away from any water source. PROTECT the fragile mountain ecosystem by treading lightly! YES, your single, big 'ole' boot footprint, or lack thereof, can make a difference. Multiply one foot step by thousands and understand that the place you love and enjoy can be destroyed if we don't pay attention to our actions.
