Mount Russell, West Face. While looking at slides taken on a flight over the Sierra Nevada, Galen Rowell was electrified by a striking face on 14,086-foot Mount Russell, one of the finest peaks in the range. On reaching the peak many months later, we soon recognized the unmistakable face. On a cold day in June we started up a crack system near the center of the face and were able to climb free except for 10 direct-aid pitons used on two overhanging sections. The rock is perfect throughout. NCCS IV, F9, A2.

CHRISTOPHER A. G. JONES