April 3, 2010, Baker, Coleman-Deming

With a short window of clearing in the forecast for Sunday we (Scott, Brian, Quint, Zac, and myself) decided to head north with hopes of getting above the rain event that occurred last week.

Our expectations were low, but hopes high as we headed up Heliotrope trail at 3:30am with moderate snowfalling.  Reaching the base of Heliotrope the fog had not lifted so we patiently waited in the trees for daylight with hopes the fog would lift and we would get the clearing we needed to safely climb.  Our patience paid off and soon the fog was lifting and Baker was coming into view!

Once on Coleman Quint blazed a trail up to the Colfax Col.  Quint and Zac were visiting Brian from Montana and had been rained out all week, needless to say they were stoked for the opportunity.  We made quick work of Deming skinning part way and then booting the last 500'.

Reaching the summit crater clouds were threatening to take away the visibility we had so we decided best not to push on to Grant Peak call it good.  The ski down Deming was creamy smooth and the Coleman had blower powder.  Our descent took all but 10 minutes to reach Heliotrope as were were racing the clouds.  As we reached Heliotrope the clouds began to lower taking away visibility for about 1000', but following our skin track was surprisingly fun.  The ski out Heliotrope was had great coverage and was over before we knew it.

Here are a couple of pics and Scott may have some to add.