Denali Report for Friday, May 9th, 2014

20140509DenaliReport

The mercury is rising, skies have been clear, and the drone of propellers has been increasing over the last week.  That can only mean one thing; climbing season is upon us.  This year, the Denali Report will be coming out on Friday’s.  KTNA’s Phillip Manning has this year’s first:

After a very successful and relatively safe 2013 climbing season, hopes are high for what 2014 has to bring.  The Talkeetna airport has been very busy for the last week, and all of the air services are reporting an increase in anticipated climber traffic over last year.  

Base camp was set up last week, and more than a hundred climbers have already begun their treks up Denali.  The National Park Service reports that most of the equipment for the camp near 14,000 feet has been delivered, and the Park Service base camp near 7,000 feet should be set up next week.

Last year’s record number of summits set a high bar, but the weather, a crucial factor in climbing Denali, has been clear for the most part thus far.  As of now, there are 969 climbers registered to attempt Denali, though the Park Service expects that number to grow.  108 have checked in and are on the mountain.  Only one climb, an early-season solo attempt, has been completed, and was unsuccessful.  The zero-percent summit rate will not last, however.  Keep listening to KTNA each Friday for an update from the top of North America.