March 17, 2019, Mt Pugh

Went for an exploratory adventure up to the Stujack Couloir (aka Straight Glacier) on Pugh this weekend. We were hoping the lingering lower elevation snow would help with travel conditions through the forest and lower slide path, which proved only partially true. Easy but long approach up White Chuck and NF 2311 roads before traversing over to Stujack Creek. Somehow we managed the forest and stream crossings pretty well, though our exit path via the upper switchback on 2311 was much more efficient than the lower traverse we tried on the way in. The real fun was the slide alder in the runout getting up to 3700', which was "possible" with skis on both ways, though not recommended and probably fully melted out this week. When finally in the chute, we were rewarded with mostly dry-ish snow and spectacular views. Ended up turning around ~800' from the pass due to a combination of time, overhead avalanche danger, glopping, and energy.  The route described would be pretty fun with a better low elevation snowpack but always fun to explore a new zone!