In a quiet corner of the Western Washington University campus, between Edens Hall and the Sehome Arboretum, a monument of rectangular stones stands in memory of the six people killed in an avalanche on Mount Baker in 1939.
In mid-July, 85 years ago, the college was hosting its 20th annual climb of the 10,781-foot volcano. Recent snowstorms combined with high temperatures set the stage for dangerous conditions — the group of 25 experienced mountaineers were just shy of the summit when an avalanche swept the whole party down the mountain.
When the snowy torrent stopped moving, seven members of the team were missing. A frantic search ensued and one climber was found alive, clinging to the side of a crevasse. Of the remaining six members, only two were eventually located after a multi-day search.
The memorial, made of basalt rocks taken from the mountain itself, includes a brass plaque inscribed with the names of the deceased and reads, “You will be forever climbing upward now” — from a poem written by Charles E. Butler.
As snow begins to fall, this memorial is a reminder to only travel in the backcountry if you are with a partner, have the proper gear and avalanche training, and have read the Northwest Avalanche Center forecast.
WTD is published online Mondays and in print Fridays. Have a suggestion for a "What's the Deal With?" inquiry? Email us at newstips@cascadiadaily.com.
Julia Tellman writes about civic issues and anything else that happens to cross her desk; contact her at juliatellman@cascadiadaily.com.
