DESCRIPTION: The steepest 9,000'+ climb in the Continental U.S. Timing is everything. Late March and early April is usually the safest time to go because normally the snow has consolidated but is not rapidly melting. In the winter or after a recent snow storm, there is risk of avalanches. Late spring or warm weather has rockfall and the possibility of wet slides. I've noticed that this little tidbit seems to be missing from a lot of trip reports and "how to" climbing guides. :) A search-and-rescue person told me they have recovered 15 bodies on the north face in the last 30 years. Not very comforting. You can die, but you can also live!