June 1, 2,3, 2018, Lemah Gulley
6/1/18
WA Cascades East Slopes Central
3136
5
This would be my third legitimate failed attempt at skiing the 40 degree snow finger on Overcoat. I thought that maybe from the col between Lemah and Chimney Rock, that I would be able to descend to the Burnboot Creek valley, and from there access Overcoat Glacier. Jtack saw this gulley from the air some years ago and he and I skied the gulley to the col in 2013, but pea soup on the other side prevented any recon on that trip (TR de 2013). Clear skies this time. No go for me. Some folks on this forum might have the cohones for the steep bit down to Burnboot, but not me. Anyway, we got a really nice 3000 foot ski in the gulley of a thousand waterfalls and camped on a big flat rock with a fantastic view. This ski is so good, I wonder why it isn't a May standard.
The valley of a thousand waterfalls:
Part of the price of entry:
The illusive Overcoat. With tapas in the foreground.
We had company. Unlikely in this remote spot.
It really is a three thousand foot ski. All of it good.
Skin gook on my friend Aidan's skis.
Exit strategy:
Pete Lake yacht club:
The valley of a thousand waterfalls:
Part of the price of entry:
The illusive Overcoat. With tapas in the foreground.
We had company. Unlikely in this remote spot.
It really is a three thousand foot ski. All of it good.
Skin gook on my friend Aidan's skis.
Exit strategy:
Pete Lake yacht club:
Any pics of the line you decided not to ski?
I've been itching to get back there since doing a four-day trip starting at lake lillian and coming out that way. Camping high on Lemah and ticking off the ski lines on each of it's summits would be dreamy!
If anybody wants inspiration for a super fun traverse this is what Lake Lillian to Lemah Creek looked like in late June several years ago: https://vimeo.com/100678132
Looks like y'all came up the north side of Lemah Creek. We came down the South side on our exit which was very shwacky. We kept looking across the raging creek at open burnt out slopes regretting our choice. Is it as good and open as it looked to us?
I've been itching to get back there since doing a four-day trip starting at lake lillian and coming out that way. Camping high on Lemah and ticking off the ski lines on each of it's summits would be dreamy!
If anybody wants inspiration for a super fun traverse this is what Lake Lillian to Lemah Creek looked like in late June several years ago: https://vimeo.com/100678132
Looks like y'all came up the north side of Lemah Creek. We came down the South side on our exit which was very shwacky. We kept looking across the raging creek at open burnt out slopes regretting our choice. Is it as good and open as it looked to us?
I've been eyeing this for some time. Have to get away from the volcano magnets!
author=Eckels link=topic=40779.msg161972#msg161972 date=1528126436]
Any pics of the line you decided not to ski?
There was a big rocky knob in the middle of the north side of the col. The following photos are looking first down skier's right side of that knob and second skier's left. Skier's left was worse. I'd guess the distance at 400 feet. We belayed down to a bench to get a look. I think you might be able to connect the gravel gully's, but I'm not sure, and not willing.
skier's right
skier's left
To exit, we followed Lemah Creek to the PCT and took that north to the Pete Lake trail. I've done it by bushwhack, and the trail is faster. Eckles, yes, north side was pretty good travel. Some route finding required through a cliffy bit, but not very much brush and nothing scary.
Splendido. Looks like another fun packed balmy weekend in the Snoqchamoniox alps. The valley of 1000'falls looks delightful.
author=wcurchin link=topic=40779.msg161977#msg161977 date=1528132936]
I've been eyeing this for some time. Have to get away from the volcano magnets!
Yaaa they exert a strong pull....
Reply to this TR
Please login first: