Another small alpine training has come and gone successfully! This time, a team of three set out for the summit of Mt. Dana via the Dana Couloir. At 13,053 feet, Mt. Dana is a wonderful venue for an alpine training as it offers the perfect mix of steep snow (35-45 degrees), 3rd-4th class rock, a rappel on the descent and a taste of what it's like at altitude. 
Kito, Blake and Kyle set out on June 8th and headed over Tioga pass to camp for the night. On Saturday morning gear was packed, and they hiked from Tioga to Dana Lake, where they set up camp and did some snow skills training. Blake led the team as they practice snow anchor placements, self arrest, and climbing with a running belay. On Sunday they headed directly up the couloir, placing snow pickets and rock pro along the way up.
"Despite the low snow levels this year, conditions allowed for solid crampon placements and enjoyable climbing. A few pitches of rappelling and downclimbing followed by a hasty retreat to the trailhead left us at our car just before dark." -Kito
As some of you may know, Sierra peaks this time of year can often bring unpredictable weather, hail, thunder, lightening and wind and it can come in very fast. Always have a Plan B and maybe C or D just in case you need to bail off a route due to weather. As you can see from the photos, they were able to follow Plan A all the way!
Nice work guys! Thank you Kito for the write up and Kito and Blake for the photos.
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