1/30 - 2/3, 2011, Barron Yurt Environs, N Cascades
1/30/11
3680
5
One of the great things about living here in the state of Washington is the number of times in a given year that I pause to reflect upon just how varied things like temperature, weather, and snow conditions can be depending upon where in the State you happen to be. And while Ive often paused to find myself in the wrong place at that point in time, it only makes those sweet spot moments when Im in the right place all the better.
Such was the case this past week when I had the opportunity to join a group headed to North Cascade Helis Barron Yurt accessed out of their Mazama heli-base in the Methow Valley. Based upon earlier posts on TAY, and our own experience from this trip, the ridges and bowls accessed from the yurt seem to hold amazing snow no matter what is happening elsewhere in the State. Over a hundred years after the days of mining in these hills, there is still an excitement that comes with the prospect of striking it rich here, with dry, cold powder replacing the gold of old.
Unlike the treacherous winter-time slog experienced by early prospectors, a quick and scenic 8 minute flight in a bright red state-of-the-art Astar B-3 on Sunday delivered us to the front steps of our home base, NC Helis comfortable and well provisioned yurt near Windy Pass. Over 10 inches of fresh, dry snow awaited our arrival, and we quickly set out to stake our claim. Sweet indeed!
From there our group of eight enjoyed four blue-bird days of touring and turns on nearly every aspect, including a wonderfully memorable east facing run on Monday morning just after sunrise at +5 Fahrenheit that reinforced just how far away from the world of phones and e-mail we really were. It only got better from there, and thanks to the abundance of fresh powder and knowledgeable local guides, we never had to turn across another track for the entire four days we toured and explored the myriad of ridges, bowls, and drainages in the area. The place is a true gold mine for backcountry touring.
A typical day had us up and out the door well before 8 a.m. (our desire), and back by late afternoon with the option of an evening run right before sunset and a hearty meal before bed. Id guess we covered between 4 and 5+k of vertical each day, never having to repeat a tour in four days. The terrain was challenging enough for everyone in our group, and the guides did a good job of pointing out options depending upon ones appetite for adrenaline.
The stability was good for the duration of the trip, with the hazard limited to isolated pockets of wind affected snow on NE facing ridge-top entrances. Only by the end of the day on Wednesday did the SW facing slopes begin to show any signs of sun or temperature effect still providing wonderfully consistent snow for our buttery final run back down to the yurt in time for dinner.
The snowflakes started to fall again just before we prepared to load the helicopter for the flight back to reality on Thursday. And while that reality has included the very sad news of Monikas accident earlier in the week, I am thankful that we have mountains like the North Cascades as the right place to celebrate into the future all that she inspired in so many who are part of the backcountry skiing community, and the other communities she clearly touched.
I highly recommend a trip to the Barron Yurt with the North Cascade Heli folks to anyone looking for a great way to spend a few days with friends enjoying consistently good snow and excellent touring terrain here in the Pacific Northwest.
J.P.
Such was the case this past week when I had the opportunity to join a group headed to North Cascade Helis Barron Yurt accessed out of their Mazama heli-base in the Methow Valley. Based upon earlier posts on TAY, and our own experience from this trip, the ridges and bowls accessed from the yurt seem to hold amazing snow no matter what is happening elsewhere in the State. Over a hundred years after the days of mining in these hills, there is still an excitement that comes with the prospect of striking it rich here, with dry, cold powder replacing the gold of old.
Unlike the treacherous winter-time slog experienced by early prospectors, a quick and scenic 8 minute flight in a bright red state-of-the-art Astar B-3 on Sunday delivered us to the front steps of our home base, NC Helis comfortable and well provisioned yurt near Windy Pass. Over 10 inches of fresh, dry snow awaited our arrival, and we quickly set out to stake our claim. Sweet indeed!
From there our group of eight enjoyed four blue-bird days of touring and turns on nearly every aspect, including a wonderfully memorable east facing run on Monday morning just after sunrise at +5 Fahrenheit that reinforced just how far away from the world of phones and e-mail we really were. It only got better from there, and thanks to the abundance of fresh powder and knowledgeable local guides, we never had to turn across another track for the entire four days we toured and explored the myriad of ridges, bowls, and drainages in the area. The place is a true gold mine for backcountry touring.
A typical day had us up and out the door well before 8 a.m. (our desire), and back by late afternoon with the option of an evening run right before sunset and a hearty meal before bed. Id guess we covered between 4 and 5+k of vertical each day, never having to repeat a tour in four days. The terrain was challenging enough for everyone in our group, and the guides did a good job of pointing out options depending upon ones appetite for adrenaline.
The stability was good for the duration of the trip, with the hazard limited to isolated pockets of wind affected snow on NE facing ridge-top entrances. Only by the end of the day on Wednesday did the SW facing slopes begin to show any signs of sun or temperature effect still providing wonderfully consistent snow for our buttery final run back down to the yurt in time for dinner.
The snowflakes started to fall again just before we prepared to load the helicopter for the flight back to reality on Thursday. And while that reality has included the very sad news of Monikas accident earlier in the week, I am thankful that we have mountains like the North Cascades as the right place to celebrate into the future all that she inspired in so many who are part of the backcountry skiing community, and the other communities she clearly touched.
I highly recommend a trip to the Barron Yurt with the North Cascade Heli folks to anyone looking for a great way to spend a few days with friends enjoying consistently good snow and excellent touring terrain here in the Pacific Northwest.
J.P.
A wonderfully written TR and photos. Your TR was a bright light during these recent days of sorrow. It reminds me of how fortunate we are to live in the PNW and what draws us to the mountains. Thanks.
Wow that looks fun, I wish I was there but is this a trip report or an advertisement?
author=Malamute link=topic=19461.msg82637#msg82637 date=1297015169]
Wow that looks fun, I wish I was there but is this a trip report or an advertisement?
Malamute - Welcome to TAY.
My report was intended only as a trip report, and a relfection upon the impact that being in the mountains has on me as someone who feels so fortunate to get to live and ski here in Washington.
That said, as this was my first-ever trip with the NC Heli folks, I'll readily admit to being a very satisfied customer who is eager to start saving so that I might do it again next season. If my report serves to inspire others to consider the same, I'd only offer encouragement. There are plenty of great lines and great snow to go around up there!
Thanks also for your reply Zap, and for the inspiration that your regular TR's provide here on TAY!
J.P.
As always JP, a well written report. Great to hear that your back is allowing you to hit the hills again. It's awesome that you guys hit the great powder when everywhere else around the state looks bleak. Thanks for sharing. I like those at NCH too-no advertisement, just a shout for good people. :)
Yea, I'm just teasing because I'm jealous. Sounds like everything you could ask for in a b/c trip, especially during a winter like this. Just tell me something went wrong, like a wrinkle in your sock, or maybe your ipod battery went low on the last day. Seriously though, nice report and pictures, I'm sold either way.
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