Early Winters Spires, Rock formation in North Cascade Range, Washington, US.
Early Winters Spires are two granite spires, North and South, in the Liberty Bell Group of the North Cascade Range, between Liberty Bell Mountain and Blue Lake Peak in Washington. They form virtually one granite massif split by a deep cleft created by jointing and erosion. North Spire reaches 7,760 feet (2,366 m) and South Spire 7,807 feet (2,380 m).
The South Early Winters Spire saw its first ascent on July 20, 1937, via the Southwest Couloir route. This early climb marked the beginning of the climbing history for these granite formations.
The twin granite peaks draw rock climbers seeking varied technical routes with different skill levels. The formation has become a destination for mountaineers throughout the Pacific Northwest who test their abilities on its faces.
The spires stand between Liberty Bell Mountain and Blue Lake Peak, and the Blue Lake Trail gives access from the hairpin turn on Highway 20. Snow on these slopes is wet and heavy because of maritime influence, so avalanche danger is high in winter. Summer often brings little or no cloud cover, while winter is usually cloudy.
Water flowing from the northeast side runs into Early Winters Creek and eventually reaches the Methow River, while runoff from the southwest slope drains to a different system feeding the Chelan River. This ridge divides two separate drainage systems.
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