CMRU Unit Climb - Jeff West Rib Attempt

Yesterday Jerry, Drew, Jonathan, and myself attempted to climb the west rib of Jefferson, despite the mediocre forecast... Although we didn't summit, or even stick around for a weather-blasted bivy last night I think it's safe to say that we all had a pretty great time! What really made the day special was the approach via the Milk Creek Gully, which is a snow-filled, steep walled canyon whose river only makes occasional appearances as it broke through the snow surface in spectacular waterfalls that plunged again back below the snow surface. Some of these falls presented themselves only upon inspection of the sometimes thin bridges we had to cross as they roared into darkness sometimes 30 or more feet below the snow surface. Once clear of the gully the temperture and cloud deck dropped... We never really even got a clear view of our route, but we managed to gain the ridge crest for a few windblasted and chilly minutes. We did find one excellent bivy platform, but it probably would have been too tight for the four of us. With the weather seeming to diminish and the hope of clear weather for the next day dwindling, we plunge stepped back down to the gully and the siren call of beers back at the car. Overall, great to be out with such a positive and fun group in a place that truely deserves to be re-visited.

The photos:














Starting up the gully
















Jerry demonstrating proper choss technique















Well, it worked, so I could get this shot! That water falls another 30 feet boyond what you can see.















Jonathan scouting one of the absurdly consequential waterfall crossings















Drew demonstrating professional "open mouth" spotting technique
















More of the classic gully















End of the gully... Sweet waterfalls all around. West rib is up and left past the waterfall.
















View back towards the Milk Creek gully from near our highpoint





















Great waterfall... Wonder how long the approach is in winter...?

Videos:



Drew scrambling up another of the easy, yet highly consequential rock steps.



Heading back down, short vid.