TR Replies
Wow, it this cc.com?
I tend to go with the voice of reason, and not pow turns.
But Loren and I both have families and find it completely selfish to put ourselves in harms way as the BC was on those epic days. That's why i chose to ski in bounds those days.
It all comes down to choice and your level of comfort, and most of that comes from experience, educating, teaching and preaching.
Experience is what you get when you don't get what you wanted.
I tend to go with the voice of reason, and not pow turns.
But Loren and I both have families and find it completely selfish to put ourselves in harms way as the BC was on those epic days. That's why i chose to ski in bounds those days.
It all comes down to choice and your level of comfort, and most of that comes from experience, educating, teaching and preaching.
Experience is what you get when you don't get what you wanted.
The little range that rocks. We go to the other hut, the cat-in Valhalla Mountain Touring (next hut north). Fantastic terrain and variety - always something good & safe, never skied out.
author=Snow Bell link=topic=16346.msg68332#msg68332 date=1271179710]
Jan, Jeff and Gary had to get going so Stugie and I thanked them for their company and climbed back to the nameless peak to tackle the chute skiers left. It looked pretty darned enticing.
It was hard to part company with you two knowing where you were headed. Nice job figuring your way out of some tricky terrain.
Joe, your TR is a great r...
I make no claim to extensive experience, but here is what I think I've learned from people more experienced than I.
1) It takes extraordinary avalanche conditions to take out stands of old growth, ie, heavy loading with especially bad weak layers. To me, this means big, upside-down storms on slick crusts or rain on snow.
2) Avalanches can probably run through trees for a while well enough to kill a person even without totally nuking the timber, so the evident path l...
1) It takes extraordinary avalanche conditions to take out stands of old growth, ie, heavy loading with especially bad weak layers. To me, this means big, upside-down storms on slick crusts or rain on snow.
2) Avalanches can probably run through trees for a while well enough to kill a person even without totally nuking the timber, so the evident path l...
author=alecapone link=topic=16350.msg68316#msg68316 date=1271170197]What would that type of snow be described as?
AleCapone looks just fine, it was probably me who scared the drivers off.
The technical description for that type of snow is "decomposing and fragmented precipitation particles". I usually think of it as "tired snow" because it has little response when a dynamic load is applied. It just sits there a...
author=Snow Bell link=topic=16349.msg68333#msg68333 date=1271180009]
Sorry it didn't work out to meet up on Sunday. If you did this trip on Saturday it would have been perfect because maybe you would have been fatigued enough for us to keep up. ;)
Nope, my money would still be on Kyle waiting for (at least me) at the top, even after a day like that. :)
author=alecapone link=topic=16350.msg68316#msg68316 date=1271170197]
HAha... I'm not that bad! Just not well shaven.
What would that type of snow be described as?
Alecapone is my bro and I'm honored to have his "shredded wood-chips" plume on my wallpaper.
And I know I'm funny-looking, but I have a big smile :D and one guy w/o boards is an easier stop decision than 2 with.
author=Oyvind_Henningsen link=topic=16359.msg68325#msg68325 date=1271177569]
No wonder this girl wins rando races!!!
Not only does she win rando races, she skis with a cat on her back!
If only the Gorge had a consistent 2,000' snow level, I've got to think that this place would be hugely popular with skiers. Instead we only saw a couple of people on Sunday, two solo hikers on snow shoes.
I think that it's the best backcountry skiing I've ever found below 4000'.
(Ok, the top is actually 4,300', but you know what I mean...)
I think that it's the best backcountry skiing I've ever found below 4000'.
(Ok, the top is actually 4,300', but you know what I mean...)
Strong day all the way around. Nice work.
Looks like a great adventure... love the POV camera work.
GoPro Camera?
GoPro Camera?
Right on! Thanks a bunch. I have looked at that area for years and wondered what was up there.
Great trip report and route details... thanks for sharing!
Great trip report and route details... thanks for sharing!
Actually, the snowpack in the bowls was super-sketchy. We stuck to low angle and/or treed slopes... the burns were spectacular! The south aspects were a bit crusty... with the goods being on the north aspects. The pictures were for dramatic effect rather than examples of ski-able terrain. But even so, it was probably some of the best powder skiing I have experienced in several years.
The hut is dead! Long live the hut!
I think they rebuilt it in 2006. the old one was collapsing due to snow creep.
This one is in a wind scoured location a hundred meters away from the old I think.
This one is in a wind scoured location a hundred meters away from the old I think.
author=GregLange link=topic=16355.msg68371#msg68371 date=1271213973]
I lived in Juno MANY years ago. Nice to be reminded of what I grew up in. Was that a shot from the old Dan Moller Ski Bowl right above the bridge to Douglas? Also, did you make it up Mt. Jumbo on Douglas Is.? Finally, how far up the Mendenhall Gl. did you get by air?
The photo of downtown was from the ridge between Mt. Troy and Dan Moller. We skinned from the sk...
Nice job all. Sure looked to be a nice Olympic day- sun in and out, providing amazing views in all directions when it cleared.
My remarks aren't nearly as condescending as CascadeClimber's.
I think it's perfectly reasonable to ask for some foundation when CascadeClimber directs his carpet bomb commentary at TAYers who went out into the backcountry last week. If you remember, he characterised their decision-making as "stupendously poor" and said that their trips ultimately serve as fuel for anti-backcountry legislation. Uh... yeah.
Sorry to poke the sacred cow with a stick b...
I think it's perfectly reasonable to ask for some foundation when CascadeClimber directs his carpet bomb commentary at TAYers who went out into the backcountry last week. If you remember, he characterised their decision-making as "stupendously poor" and said that their trips ultimately serve as fuel for anti-backcountry legislation. Uh... yeah.
Sorry to poke the sacred cow with a stick b...
Well, I thought I'd get some pics up sooner, but as my PC would have it that was not the case. Finally...and props to Joe for a great TR and again to Gary, Jan, and Jeff for being so much fun to tour with! I do have to say that Joe, you worded that perfectly. You however get the prize for biggest cohones...scouting the nose rollover to drop in extremely cliff studded terrain...nice work man. ;)
Snow Bell's winning style in "Losers Weepers...
Snow Bell's winning style in "Losers Weepers...
Getting a wee bit heated . . .
Just an observation from heading into the hills each year- I have often seen stands of large trees taken out by avalanches from the previous winter. I can't point to one around Snoqualmie Pass (I spent most of my time in the North Cascades), but I think it indicates the possibility. I doubt these "once in a several hundred year" slides happen during periods of considerable danger, more likely high to extreme.
While...
Just an observation from heading into the hills each year- I have often seen stands of large trees taken out by avalanches from the previous winter. I can't point to one around Snoqualmie Pass (I spent most of my time in the North Cascades), but I think it indicates the possibility. I doubt these "once in a several hundred year" slides happen during periods of considerable danger, more likely high to extreme.
While...
I lived in Juno MANY years ago. Nice to be reminded of what I grew up in. Was that a shot from the old Dan Moller Ski Bowl right above the bridge to Douglas? Also, did you make it up Mt. Jumbo on Douglas Is.? Finally, how far up the Mendenhall Gl. did you get by air?
Nice job! Looks like great snow. Brenda's turn looks fantastic.
No problems with the foot of sugar beneath all the rest of the snow then?
Did you ski any of the bowls? What about S aspects?
Did you ski any of the bowls? What about S aspects?
Whoa! Not the hut I was expecting! When did the VOC replace it? Is is still at its old locaiton?
author=Ritalin Kid link=topic=16355.msg68349#msg68349 date=1271193229]
Wow man...way to do it! Very impressive trip/photos.
I rode with Sean Dog and Co about the same time last year. TR if you're interesed http://www.turns-all-year.com/skiing_snowboarding/trip_reports/index.php?topic=12865.0
Thanks, it was a fun trip..
I remember your tr from last year.. good times to be had out at 33mile..
We came in from the north, at Sunset Falls State Park, or County Park, or whatever, on the North Fork of the Lewis. Go through the park, cross a creek, and turn left on to the 41 road. After a few miles of washboard and potholes, take a hard right, downhill onto the 4109 just after a particularly daunting mudhole. You'll know you're on the right road when you quickly cross Copper Creek and begin climbing again. After another few rough miles, bear left and uphill on the 4109 where the 4...
Yes, I would like to check that area out sometime... can you provide a bit more detail, e.g. roads, routes, trailhead name, etc?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Wow man...way to do it! Very impressive trip/photos.
I rode with Sean Dog and Co about the same time last year. TR if you're interesed http://www.turns-all-year.com/skiing_snowboarding/trip_reports/index.php?topic=12865.0
I rode with Sean Dog and Co about the same time last year. TR if you're interesed http://www.turns-all-year.com/skiing_snowboarding/trip_reports/index.php?topic=12865.0
I don't know...Scott is a little gruff, urban mid-west tough. Not sure I would pick him up!
Thanks for the tip - we were looking at it all day and did a cut at the top but I could see that most avoided it. We watched the far side of the valley all day and will come back for those long runs.
Nice Kyle. Glad that I wasn't there to slow you down.
Sorry it didn't work out to meet up on Sunday. If you did this trip on Saturday it would have been perfect because maybe you would have been fatigued enough for us to keep up. ;)
Seriously dude, way to Annihilate it. That is a huge day.
Sorry it didn't work out to meet up on Sunday. If you did this trip on Saturday it would have been perfect because maybe you would have been fatigued enough for us to keep up. ;)
Seriously dude, way to Annihilate it. That is a huge day.
Well it took me a year to get back up there and ski a line that I had scouted before. Gary and Stugie joined in and we dropped from the top of the peak to the chute on skiers right. Gary figured that the line was unnamed so I figure "Finders Keepers" would be apposite as it feeds into Lost Bowl. Excellent snow and stability had us craving more. We all made a quick lap from the ridge...
Welcome to this side of the hill.
Looked like fun out there. I like that slope that you skied in the 2nd picture. Just an FYI that one has a propensity to load and slide, but it is a wonderful pitch with a great run out. Come back for some more another day Unclebo.
Looked like fun out there. I like that slope that you skied in the 2nd picture. Just an FYI that one has a propensity to load and slide, but it is a wonderful pitch with a great run out. Come back for some more another day Unclebo.
Dave. I must not have reset my altimeter correctly. Upon looking at the topo, the max height was most likely around the 4800ft mark not 5100. At 5100ft you are certainly right that it would be a lot steeper/open/exposed from above etc. Ask Mr Trumpetsailor too, he went up the next day and that was the day of the Granite accident. I don't see him getting scolded either and for good reason! Cookie is just being friendly, we all know he knows his stuff and t...
Kyle that is a lot of hiking, especially going down to get food and water, then hoofing it back out.
It would have been hard to get motivated again after stopping down low.
We've done variations of that trip that include Pick, Crown SE, Union Creek, SE of Union, Bullion and East Peak, but we skied it in corn that turned to boot deep glop as the day progressed. It makes for a long day and lots of sleep.
Way to get after it!
It would have been hard to get motivated again after stopping down low.
We've done variations of that trip that include Pick, Crown SE, Union Creek, SE of Union, Bullion and East Peak, but we skied it in corn that turned to boot deep glop as the day progressed. It makes for a long day and lots of sleep.
Way to get after it!
Cookie Monster:
After your condescending and smart ass remarks, I doubt anyone will enlighten you.
After your condescending and smart ass remarks, I doubt anyone will enlighten you.
Lovely day up there. Nice bumping into you two and GregL's group. Gotta luv April pow on Catherine!
Had the your name not become so much the staple in mountaineering around these parts, I would suggest a legal change to Piston Bully. Hmmm, both names are four syllables... :D
Once again congrats! I'm glad to see that you guys were able to get some freshies. Every time I'm riding up Chinook on a day of decent visibility, I'm always scanning that ridge and dreaming of such a journey...
Once again congrats! I'm glad to see that you guys were able to get some freshies. Every time I'm riding up Chinook on a day of decent visibility, I'm always scanning that ridge and dreaming of such a journey...
Fantastic! Way to stay motivated to complete the tour!
HAha... I'm not that bad! Just not well shaven.
Great day and write up CM. Thats the best pic of me without me ever! Went straight to my wall paper as well(replacing one from heliotrope). What would that type of snow be described as?
John,
Sad part is we had two vehicles in the same lot since our meeting on the hill was unexpected. We discussed a few shuttle options that we could have done with some prior planning.
Great day and write up CM. Thats the best pic of me without me ever! Went straight to my wall paper as well(replacing one from heliotrope). What would that type of snow be described as?
John,
Sad part is we had two vehicles in the same lot since our meeting on the hill was unexpected. We discussed a few shuttle options that we could have done with some prior planning.
author=Don_B link=topic=16350.msg68301#msg68301 date=1271134042]
very nice TR and pix. Thanks especially for the route Option 2. We've gazed longingly upon it from the endless traverse in the snow above, thinking if only we'd had some sweet young person along for hitching bait maybe we could go down there. Now we know.
Not to give anything away, Don, but park a 2nd car at Yodelin and that makes it very attainable...
author=telemack link=topic=16350.msg68305#msg68305 date=1271135249]
I had good luck with the hitch back to our car---after the skis and Alecapone were hidden behind a snowbank! ::)
Are you saying you're a friendly-looking sasquatch compared to AleCapone?
Geez, what's this guy look like? I'm a little frightened! ;)
Kyle -
my first time in TAY in forever and this is the first thing i see. Awesome stuff man!
my first time in TAY in forever and this is the first thing i see. Awesome stuff man!
I do not want to make any enemies based on my opinion. I am sure they felt safe on their tour. But touring up to 5,100 feet in just about anywhere in the Commonwealth Basin will likely put you in danger from an avalanche from above. I think that was the point Cascade Climber was getting at. From the post I am not sure where they toured to but Guye Peak tops out at 5,168, Kendall at 5,784, Red at 5,890 and the slopes at the end of the valley below Snoqualmie and Lundin have no trees. If there i...
Jez, never thought a boring trip up the Commonwealth would provoke such responses!! After all its where lots of the TAY folk go during a storm - own up, I know you go there, after all there are always tracks in pretty much all conditions. I'm not talking Red mountain here or into the avi chutes, just the big honking timber on a moderate slope. Would anyone have posted a reply if another group had not gone into a FAR more dangerous zone than we were in FAR warmer conditions and got into...