Winter Ascents in the Cascades. The drought winter of 1976-1977 presented climbing conditions that had not been experienced in recent history and may not be seen again in the present generation. February was particularly calm, clear and warm. There was little snow. Many winter ascents were done in unusally inaccessible regions because of relatively easy access. A few are listed: Prusik Peak, south face in December 1976 by Les Nugent and Alan Kearney; Whistler Peak, via the major east-facing couloir to the north ridge and seven pitches on the north ridge in February by Dave Lord, Dick Filley and Steve Costie; Mount Terror in February by Paul Eckman, Roy Farrel, Joan Firey and Joe Weis.