North America, United States, Alaska, Hayes Range, Mt. Hess, East Buttress, Second Ascent, Previously Unreported

Publication Year: 2001.

Mt. Hess, East Buttress, Second Ascent, Previously Unreported. In May, 1997, Jon Miller and I climbed up snow and low-fifth-class rock from the upper Gillam Glacier at 4,640 feet to the upper basin (8,400') beneath the north ridge. After a storm day, we then climbed the East Buttress (Alaska Grade 4) on mixed snow, ice, and poor rock to the summit (11,940'). Descent was via the north ridge, which required a cold night out due to icy conditions. On the descent, we skied out to the Little Delta River, and pad- died out this river to near Fairbanks.

Keith Echelmeyer