October 31, 2010, Mt. Baker, Heliotrope Ridge
10/31/10
WA Cascades West Slopes North (Mt Baker)
2590
3
Forecast did not look too good but we were rewarded for taking the chance. 5 awesome runs of Heliotrope Ridge in variable visibility. Hiked to the treeline then skinned up to the snowfield off Coleman Glacier. Excellent coverage, powder turns all the way. Very minor windslab along the ridge sitting on rough layer, it was breaking up but not sliding.
Hardest part was crossing the creeks, wet snow over wet rock.
Pics:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/runningclouds/sets/72157625173734077/with/5140685276/
More snow please!
Hardest part was crossing the creeks, wet snow over wet rock.
Pics:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/runningclouds/sets/72157625173734077/with/5140685276/
More snow please!
Looked killer and 5 laps... The white stuff sure is addictive! Where you guys able to make safe turns all the way back to the trees? The last pic looks like maybe yes, maybe no?
Trip was Oct. 31st. Lots of rain to 6k and above since then...
I skied all the way back to treeline, the last bit I mostly kept sideslipping and side stepping in few places where I expected rocks. Dan walked the last 250 meters, that photo is about 100 m before the trees. The trail is not skiable, no snow under the trees yet.
Let's hope the snowpack survives the coming warm front, I can't wait to go back.
Let's hope the snowpack survives the coming warm front, I can't wait to go back.
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