Mountaineering Club of Alaska

Publication Year: 1978.

Mountaineering Club of Alaska. All in all, 1977 was a quiet year for the Mountaineering Club of Alaska. The club continued its interest in the Chugach Mountains, which lie at our doorstep. However, we also had members climbing in the Talkeetnas and Alaska Range as well as on the Kenai. Longtime member Dona Agosti led a trek through the Arctic Wildlife Refuge in the northeastern sector of Alaska. Brian Okonek and Roger Robinson made numerous first ascents in the area known as “Little Switzerland” in the Alaska Range, southwest of Mount McKinley. Among their first ascents were The Royal Tower, South Troll, Your Highness, and The Throne.

Terry Becker held his now annual ice-climbing class in September for MCAers at the Matanuska Glacier.

Three members were killed in an accident on Carpathian, south of Anchorage, near the Portage Pass area. Don Pahlke, Linda Hestings, and Jeff Moeller apparently fell while descending from the summit. A rescue party located the site of the accident, but was hampered by very severe weather.

Upcoming events include the celebration of the club’s 20th anniversary, repair of the Whiteout and Eagle Huts, the summer’s major trek through the Wrangells, plus numerous hikes, climbs, and ski tours.

Paul E. Denkewalter, President