|
Mt. Williwaw (5445')
by Greg Higgins, Scree 12/81?
History Corner. The mountain was named in 1963 by the MCA Geographic Names Committee chaired by the late Vin Hoeman. It was named in memoriam of 3 soldiers who died near its base in 1962 when they were caught unprepared in a Spring Williwaw, which is a cold windstorm.
Dave Meyers, Nick Parker, Kim Degenhardt, & Dave Devoe thought of climbing it in January, 1965, but their trip never really got off the ground. Dave Meyers, Nick Parker, & Mike Judd tried again in April of the same year and succeeded in getting up O'Malley, but not Williwaw. Finally on June 11, 1965 these same three made the 1st known ascent via the South Ridge which they gained by camping in Campbell Creek's Middle Fork at its Southern-most tarn.
Vin Hoeman led an MCA group that reached the summit on Feb. 18, 1968 for the 1st winter ascent. In his party were Bill Babcock, Dub & Harry Bludworth, Karen Courtright, Dave Devoe, Steve Schrader & Grace Hoeman. Their route was also the SW gully although they considered a new route on the then unclimbed NW Ridge. No register was found so they placed one. Vin reported that this was the 4th ascent.
The next record of a climb on Williwaw in the Scree is dated August 4, 1970 by Buddy Jaidinger & his brother Bill. They traversed the ridge from the Ramp. Buddy reported that they were the 24th or 25th to sign the register.
Another MCA group reached the summit in June of 1976 to find themselves in an electrical storm near the top complete with frizzled hair & singing metal. Two bolts of lightning were seen striking near the summit of Tikishla. In the group were: Fritz & Durhane Heiger, Sharon Crawford, Bob Planck, Bob Williams & Paul Janke. No comment about the registers status was made in their write-up.
|
|
