snow on the northeast ridge

Our group encountered this moderately angled snow field well above 9,000 feet on Mount Merritt's northeast ridge. The snow was soft and the pitch moderate enough that our group comfortably climbed it using only sharp rocks for protection. Chief Mountain is at center in the background. Just in front and to the right is Gable Mountain. Farther right is the broad expanse of aptly named Yellow Mountain, with Seward Mountain's triangular red summit in front. Amidst this jumble of rock, Natoas Peak, a sharp spire above Old Sun Glacier, can be difficult to make out (enlarge for a better look). August 27, 2011