McClellan Butte North Coulior

Worked late so didn’t start until 7pm. I hiked through the trees and reached the open snowfield (around 3,000 ft.) at the base of the chute before dark.

I boot packed up with my crummy 250 lumen headlamp. I probably could’ve skinned them route but I’m a mule and enjoy heavy backpack loads. The snow was surprisingly fluffy but firm. My boots sank ankle deep with the occasional spot up to my knees. There were a few scratchy patches but brittle enough I didn’t need crampons to climb.

 I’d never done this route before so The goal was to simply climb until I found a saddle. I didn’t know how high it would be but by the time I reached my drop in point, I’d climbed 2,800 ft. 

I just moved here this summer from SW Washington and have only boarded the Slot, Guye, and Lundin Couliors. But this is my favorite ride so far. Even though I did it in the dark. 

I don’t know the grade but it felt as steep as the Slot and Guye