June 5, 2010, Sahale
6/5/10
WA Cascades East Slopes North
1713
4
Big rewards often require significant work.
Such is the case when visiting one of the top scenic one day tours in the entire Cascades.
Arrived at the Eldo TH to find that gate locked. What the...! Was there in March, right after fresh snowfall, and the road was open to the MP22 gate (just before paved switchback). So an extra mile of walking roads (breaking the first Zap rule). Why would the gate be open in March but not in June? The road was snow free to 100 yards above Boston Basin TH. Considered just heading up Eldo but figured a bit too late at 900a to do a one day attempt.
We were able to drop into (and later ski down to) the river drainage just before the last switchback to the upper parking lot, thus avoiding alder hell above the pk lot. The basin had fairly consolidated conditions and required just short boot to get over the steep roll that guards the pass. Two splitboarders spent the day yoyoing the pass that had pretty nice conditions. We proceeded up to the arm, thus breaking the second Zap rule of passing up good snow. Heading up to the arm was very unconsolidated mush. We cut several wet hissers both ascending and later descending.
Once on the arm far more consolidated, along with gentle breeze and the fabulous views everywhere with solid blue skies.
Approaching the summit area, it seemed pretty simple to kick some steps up to the top. What one does not see is the huge exposure below this short slope. Either a sideslip/traverse move on skis or a down climb on a snow flecked rock face in ski boots required for descent. The upper 600 had about 4 inches of fresh questionable bonded to a good crust. With enough fatigue to forgo the summit option but enough to realize that was not the best choice due to consequences. Having both "been there and done that" we both opted for another short lunch break and soak in all the views.
Since my first turn cut loose a 4 foot wide slider down to the crust, the decision skip the summit seemed even wiser. Once we got off the upper 35 degree+ the next 2000' was buttery goodness. Upon hitting the lower arm the crust gave way and then mush back to the pass. Working our way left toward Jberg, and some fun hops over cracks, gave way to a nice finish down the lower basin.
Such is the case when visiting one of the top scenic one day tours in the entire Cascades.
Arrived at the Eldo TH to find that gate locked. What the...! Was there in March, right after fresh snowfall, and the road was open to the MP22 gate (just before paved switchback). So an extra mile of walking roads (breaking the first Zap rule). Why would the gate be open in March but not in June? The road was snow free to 100 yards above Boston Basin TH. Considered just heading up Eldo but figured a bit too late at 900a to do a one day attempt.
We were able to drop into (and later ski down to) the river drainage just before the last switchback to the upper parking lot, thus avoiding alder hell above the pk lot. The basin had fairly consolidated conditions and required just short boot to get over the steep roll that guards the pass. Two splitboarders spent the day yoyoing the pass that had pretty nice conditions. We proceeded up to the arm, thus breaking the second Zap rule of passing up good snow. Heading up to the arm was very unconsolidated mush. We cut several wet hissers both ascending and later descending.
Once on the arm far more consolidated, along with gentle breeze and the fabulous views everywhere with solid blue skies.
Approaching the summit area, it seemed pretty simple to kick some steps up to the top. What one does not see is the huge exposure below this short slope. Either a sideslip/traverse move on skis or a down climb on a snow flecked rock face in ski boots required for descent. The upper 600 had about 4 inches of fresh questionable bonded to a good crust. With enough fatigue to forgo the summit option but enough to realize that was not the best choice due to consequences. Having both "been there and done that" we both opted for another short lunch break and soak in all the views.
Since my first turn cut loose a 4 foot wide slider down to the crust, the decision skip the summit seemed even wiser. Once we got off the upper 35 degree+ the next 2000' was buttery goodness. Upon hitting the lower arm the crust gave way and then mush back to the pass. Working our way left toward Jberg, and some fun hops over cracks, gave way to a nice finish down the lower basin.
...saw you make those nice turns down Sahale. Looked like a lot of fun and great snow. We found some good turns ourselves over on Pelton Peak, which was one heck of a consolation prize given the sliddy snow.
Nick, Nice TR and photos. You young guys certainly have the stamina to hike those long distances. I must admit that skiing at Alpental recently has required a short hike. ;)
So Jason, I guess those were your shoes left on Cascade RR?
How late did you come out? Saw some slides coming off the Triplets/Magic. Obviously you managed it well.
How late did you come out? Saw some slides coming off the Triplets/Magic. Obviously you managed it well.
Magic Peak was our goal. Since conditions were not optimal, we decided to try a different aspect. We were actually ahead of you, but decided to climb up above mixup arm to get extra turns down to the road on our way back to our cars.
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