May 4, 2008, Mesahchie, attempt

Damien, Tobae, Sean, Tim and I parked at the Easy Pass trailhead on Saturday night hoping for clouds giving way to a clear night and a deep freeze.  Well, it did not happen, the skies cleared during the night, but it was not cold enough to freeze solid.  Left the car a little after 5 am about 15 minutes after Jason Hummel and friend who had a different objective.  Skinning through trees and up to Easy Pass was nice.  Slightly breakable crust, but not bad.  From Easy Pass ascended a few hundred to start the traverse towards Mesahchie.  Ski crampons was very helpful as it was hard in places making it a little sketch.  Followed high traverse to Mesahchie Col and beyond.  As we rounded the last corner to have a full view of the route options close up several avalanches came down and ran clear down to Fischer Creek.  Both our route options of South Rib and SE Gullies were deemed too dangerous due to this hazard.  Skied down from high point of about 8100 where gulley from Mesahchie Icefall route comes out on the East Ridge.  Skied this route down.  Upper part appeared to have a windslab in it so we chose to belay a skier into it to check it out.  About 4" of slab that released easily.  Gulley entrance protected by cornice on one side.  Great ski down to about 5,400 on the Mesahchie Glacier where we were lucky to run into Crispin and friend who showed us the best drainage to ski out to the highway from pt 6,700.  Good creamy butter for a long ways.