Lichtenberg North Chutes
Should have posted sooner when the conditions info was more relevant, but better late than never, hopefully.
We approached Lichtenwasser Lake by following Smithbrook road to the big switchback just above the summer trailhead. We had to drop 100' to cross the creek, but from there followed a decent skin track to the NE ridge just above the lake. We opted to drop the lake, cross it, and ascend to the saddle SE of Lichtenberg's summit. Later in the season, I understand folks will just follow the NE ridge to avoid cornices at the saddle, but that wasn't an issue this early in the year.
We found really great snow bordering powder on the north face of Lichtenberg. Descended from just below and East of the main (highest) summit. First one chute, then open slopes, then another chute spat us out onto the boulder field below the face. We descended from here to the big switchback on Smithbrook road where we entered.
Skinning above Lichtenwasser Lake
Approaching the saddle below Lichtenberg
Photo credit: Von T.
Descending gulley on N Face Lichtenberg
Beautiful day out there! Wonder if we crossed paths, was there a party of two right behind you when you skied off the summit? We skied the same couloir then went over to McCausland.
The road was pretty interesting - at least one person made it all the way to Smithbrook TH (probably slower than skinning). On the way out we saw 3 stuck cars carrying Christmas trees just a few hundred feet from Highway 2. There was a tow truck trying to get in from Highway 2 but it didn't look like he was having any luck.
Sloan:
Lichtenberg from McCausland:
"The road was pretty interesting - at least one person made it all the way to Smithbrook TH (probably slower than skinning). On the way out we saw 3 stuck cars carrying Christmas trees just a few hundred feet from Highway 2. There was a tow truck trying to get in from Highway 2 but it didn't look like he was having any luck."
Does this mean we have a new hut in the Central Cascades? If so, I hope they left enough gas for a bbq!
"Does this mean we have a new hut in the Central Cascades?"
Naw -- it's a jump for for snow machines
Wow! I just skied that road. That was beyond foolish to have tried to drive it! Snowcats only!
I went back today and didn't find any stuck cars, so no huts or jumps unfortunately. After the storm on Monday there is no way someone is getting up there with a car!
Lane, did you move back to Washington?
Lane, did you move back to Washington?
I still live in SLC, came up here for Thanksgiving and I'll probably stay until Christmas. Utah is in the midst of a month-long dry spell and the snowpack in the Wasatch is 1-2ft of facets so I'm not eager to go back!
Hey @aaasen! Yeah, that was probably us. Group of two. We looked at a couple places to drop in, but ultimately doubled back and took your chute too.
Sweet pictures!
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