This is the Denali Report for June 20th, 2025
As of this week, there were 952 mountaineers registered to climb Denali. 246 of them are currently on the mountain and 675 climbers have finished their expeditions. 24 people have registered to climb Mt. Foraker this year. No climbers are on that mountain at this time and 21 have finished their expeditions.
Climbing season in the Alaska Range is now officially on its downslope. Over 70% of all registered climbers have wrapped up their expeditions, and the last teams of the season will launch this week.
For teams that began their climb during the final days of May, their timing proved to be perfect for a summit bid. Last week saw a flurry of summits with a stretch of clear weather that held from June 12th through the 15th. A National Park Service Ranger patrol also reached the summit during this time. Before their summit bid, the ranger team had spent numerous days at the 14,000 ft camp, treating multiple cases of frostbite.
Rangers say the temptation to trade dexterity for safety can lead climbers to remove gloves while doing routine camp chores. Handling metal tools, such as stoves, at below zero temperatures, can easily injure the skin. According to rangers, this practice, and not hydrating enough, are usually the precursors to developing frostbite.
Currently, travel conditions are reported to be good on the lower mountain. At basecamp, snow is beginning to turn slushy and wet during the heat of the day. Overnight it is refreezing, creating a surface crust that is holding weight.
Between 11-14,000 feet, travel conditions are considered variable. Climbers are reporting slick ice at Windy Corner. Another avalanche was observed in Rescue Gully on June 14th. A skier was caught in that avalanche, but luckily suffered no injuries.
At the 17,000 foot camp, temperatures have been reported to be warmer with highs at about five above zero. Winds have been consistent, around 25 miles per hour. Climbing teams at high camp are currently hanging out, waiting for a better weather window to try for the summit.
You’ve been listening to the Denali Report. For KTNA, I’m Colleen Love
