TR Replies
Sorry I missed your call..I was up in the great white north. Looks like a good effort. Maybe the secret is a better lower elevation snowpack? Then maybe you could just drop down to Gold Meyer and the Middle Fork from Snow Lake?
Thanks again to you and Barb for organizing this trip. What a glorious day! It was extra special to finally get out in the bc with Rachel, and to see the Clem clan in action.
Looks good so how was the snow for skiing ?
author=scott_rinck link=topic=16089.msg67138#msg67138 date=1269284752]
Otter: No whumphing or evidence of recent slide activity on north facing slopes. Recent snow had peeled off of E, S, and W slopes due to the sun earlier in the week, but the wind kept the temperatures low on Saturday and everything in the sun was locked down. Pit on a sheltered NW slope at 7500' ECT23, Q3, No propagation. We cut a moderately sized cornice on the north face that res...
I was thinking of checking out Cannon soon, what made you take the Hel Basin approach? How bad was the "ice bulge", were ice tools necessary or was it straighforward with crampons?
I'm not grossly familiar with the area, but I'd planned on heading up the old road that continues from the lake stuart parking lot. Maybe that's just too long an approach...
I'm not grossly familiar with the area, but I'd planned on heading up the old road that continues from the lake stuart parking lot. Maybe that's just too long an approach...
Fantastic effort!
I talked someone into a Big Snow attempt bike-hike-ski a few years ago...
let's just say we didn't make it. Trial 2 the next year: late start/flat tire.
Trial 3 : another flat tire... different car
That was a couple years ago, and I'd tried to put Big Snow out of my mind. I remember the bike being much longer and really brutal with skis on our backs!
have to try again...
I talked someone into a Big Snow attempt bike-hike-ski a few years ago...
let's just say we didn't make it. Trial 2 the next year: late start/flat tire.
Trial 3 : another flat tire... different car
That was a couple years ago, and I'd tried to put Big Snow out of my mind. I remember the bike being much longer and really brutal with skis on our backs!
have to try again...
Perfect description, Jim. What fun to participate in an extended Clem family picnic!
Thanks!
Here's a link to some pics:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23557848@N03/sets/72157623566588189/
Thanks!
Here's a link to some pics:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23557848@N03/sets/72157623566588189/
Great read as always. Thank you for contributing.
Hold the presses!
The unnamed peak called Foss may have another name according to the Mountaineers Tahoma Peaks list:
Manatee Mountain
What say you wise elders?
The unnamed peak called Foss may have another name according to the Mountaineers Tahoma Peaks list:
Manatee Mountain
What say you wise elders?
author=andyrew link=topic=16097.msg67155#msg67155 date=1269294047]
That second shot is awesome. One for the wallpaper.
For sure. Great shot.
Thanks for the TR. Your report conjures both good memories of and wide aspirations for that area.
Sounds like a fun trip guys.
The cold water dip is a bit rough for my taste but luxury car camping in the volvo wagon sounds about my speed. 8)
The cold water dip is a bit rough for my taste but luxury car camping in the volvo wagon sounds about my speed. 8)
Good read Scott. It's funny that you guys ended up going for that route. You seemed pretty sure that you were gonna take it easy. Sahale? please. Did you really think that you and Kyle would just hang out and ski mellow laps in the sun? ;)
I'm sure that we are all glad you weren't more involved in the incident. Good job taking your break in the right place at the right time. The massive deposition zone in the photo suggests that bitch sheds on the regular.
I'm sure that we are all glad you weren't more involved in the incident. Good job taking your break in the right place at the right time. The massive deposition zone in the photo suggests that bitch sheds on the regular.
yaa, Zap and others - its always fun to see which mode of transpo is better !
for Zap - yaa, Mcgee has good coverage, to the bottom! As I reported the South facing slopes had the goods. As the NE slopes are definitely too cold. It hasnt warmed up significantly, yet.
One foot of new is forecasted next Wed.
And yes, we took your guys' snow - that aint cool !
The conditions usually get a little bumpy as the calendar turns into May. But that...
for Zap - yaa, Mcgee has good coverage, to the bottom! As I reported the South facing slopes had the goods. As the NE slopes are definitely too cold. It hasnt warmed up significantly, yet.
One foot of new is forecasted next Wed.
And yes, we took your guys' snow - that aint cool !
The conditions usually get a little bumpy as the calendar turns into May. But that...
We know it is spring when the snowpack is so rotten that you can't go two feet away from your tent before falling off the edge. Here is Larry, having misjudged the edge of his tent platform, with one leg off to China.
Jane
Jane
Thanks for the update. Jill and I will be heading down mid to late April again this year.
Is there snow at Convict Lake at the TH up the ravine to Little Morrison ?
Is the road up to Rock Creek still blocked at the Snow Park or have they started clearing it for the trout opener?
Does McGee still have snow coverage along 395 near the original Mammoth Lakes ski area ?
Have you toured up South Lake near Bishop ?
Have you toured out of the...
Is there snow at Convict Lake at the TH up the ravine to Little Morrison ?
Is the road up to Rock Creek still blocked at the Snow Park or have they started clearing it for the trout opener?
Does McGee still have snow coverage along 395 near the original Mammoth Lakes ski area ?
Have you toured up South Lake near Bishop ?
Have you toured out of the...
Nice job Larry! Always good to hear your reports of Sasse.
I wonder what the access to Hawkins is like now?
That one always interests me every year, but I never have toured it.
I wonder what the access to Hawkins is like now?
That one always interests me every year, but I never have toured it.
I'm really surprised that they are not familiar with surface hoar. Given the cold nights, altitude and radiation at nights.
Maybe depth hoar is their specialty.
The continental snowpack is filled with depth hoar.
That is the scariest case of all, it becomes roulette, that is why I assumed they may group their turns.
Also, when the snowpack percolates in the spring it has a slick bed to slide on when the top gets to heavy.
Anyhow, good discussion for thoughts....
Maybe depth hoar is their specialty.
The continental snowpack is filled with depth hoar.
That is the scariest case of all, it becomes roulette, that is why I assumed they may group their turns.
Also, when the snowpack percolates in the spring it has a slick bed to slide on when the top gets to heavy.
Anyhow, good discussion for thoughts....
Bye bye snowpack -- glad you got some good trips in this year Larry.
I had been in contact with a SLC friend to keep me informed about the avy conditions. My timing was great and I got to ski some of the bigger lines that they hadn't touched all year due to the surface hoar conditions. It was interesting that they aren't that familiar with surface hoar hazard, according to the locals they don't experience it that often. I had dealt with it all winter in British Columbia so was a little more in tune with what and how to look for it.
author=BillK link=topic=16071.msg67259#msg67259 date=1269534321]
Alpine start needed on a big one like that...
Don't die!
While I totally agree with you I was coming back from a long tour last night around 9p.m. and we heard the CJ rip huge. The avalanche went on for about 5 minutes. More likely wait until corn season?
Nice picture and report.
The snow had been a little tricky down there so it's cool you got in some good safe lines.
I agree about the snow farming, I think it's etiquette there to leave a clean line and conserve space. It's funny considering how much terrain there is in the Wasatch. Also. it may be that if you find a safe area to ski, stick close to the safe lines.
I wish that etiquette would migrate to the cascades.
I heard this...You can drink my whiskey, and...
The snow had been a little tricky down there so it's cool you got in some good safe lines.
I agree about the snow farming, I think it's etiquette there to leave a clean line and conserve space. It's funny considering how much terrain there is in the Wasatch. Also. it may be that if you find a safe area to ski, stick close to the safe lines.
I wish that etiquette would migrate to the cascades.
I heard this...You can drink my whiskey, and...
Alpine start needed on a big one like that...
Don't die!
Don't die!
Thanks for the update on the Sierras. I usually head down every year around the end of April or beginning of May. Do you think it will still be in good shape at that time this year?
When the corn has set up in spring I usually get an alpine start for the bigger routes and use ski or boot crampons and ice ax for the steeper routes. I have found this to be much faster and safer than the tenuous edging on hardpack ice that skinning provides.
When the corn has set up in spring I usually get an alpine start for the bigger routes and use ski or boot crampons and ice ax for the steeper routes. I have found this to be much faster and safer than the tenuous edging on hardpack ice that skinning provides.
The red helmet compliments your jacket, nice touch.
If you ever need a partner in backcounty karaoke, I'm your guy. :D
And thanks for the heads up on the Switchbacks.
I'll drink plenty of fluids to always be prepared.
If you ever need a partner in backcounty karaoke, I'm your guy. :D
And thanks for the heads up on the Switchbacks.
I'll drink plenty of fluids to always be prepared.
Hey Holly,
Enjoyed reading your account of the Icicle Escapades, very well written. Chmnyboy is a great partner in the mountains, we've had a few "escapades" with him too ;)
Gary and Jan
Enjoyed reading your account of the Icicle Escapades, very well written. Chmnyboy is a great partner in the mountains, we've had a few "escapades" with him too ;)
Gary and Jan
Always interested in the bootpacking versus skinning equation. There's definitely times when bootpacking is easier and vice versa.
Friend of mine says the hardcores at Teton Pass bootpack all the time!
Filled in eh? you guys got all our snow.. damn you el nino......... next season!
Friend of mine says the hardcores at Teton Pass bootpack all the time!
Filled in eh? you guys got all our snow.. damn you el nino......... next season!
Nice work gang! Little Isaac is drooling with envy. ;)
Nice exit alternative Crispin and co!! Real nice track to follow up to N ridge of Forbidden - thank you guys!! An yes going down the gut on Forbidden Gl is more money right now than skiers right.
I'm moving this over to the TRs -- nice recon effort and thanks for the beta on the Middle Fork!
Dog-legging couloir with an entertaining double fall-line8)
Nice..sounds hectic!
Very impressive descent line. I would of had a very difficult time visualizing the proper line on that face on the way down from above.
More pictures?!? :D
author=melchap link=topic=16106.msg67187#msg67187 date=1269317992">
Skied Kendall Couloir 1 on Saturday with TNT and dogs Trooper and Winders. We got a late start but made good time. Started at Yellowstone Road, making our way through the trees and removing skis to cross the creek.
A bald eagle circled overhead as we ate lunch.
The snow was soft and fun. We only skied to the choke point then skinned back up for another lap. After...
Nice TR and photos. A very sobering set of photos of the avy.
We are in Revelstoke and just read the avy report and the word "touchy" was used in the discussion of conditions.
We are in Revelstoke and just read the avy report and the word "touchy" was used in the discussion of conditions.
Great terrain, great cabin. If you want to go back and get to that Alpine terrain under better snowpack conditions, let me know!!
Thanks for jogging my memories!
Thanks for jogging my memories!
Heh -- character was definitely built, Gary. The shwackin' wasn't too bad, but the rain was awfully wet.
That would be us. Thanks for posting.
We thought we saw a light heading up the road toward the vista viewpoint. I thought it might be a sledder but could hear no engine.
We thought we saw a light heading up the road toward the vista viewpoint. I thought it might be a sledder but could hear no engine.
author=Stugie link=topic=16105.msg67198#msg67198 date=1269356838]
That might have been Dan H. and Jwplotz...they skied NBC and Triple Couliors...
Stugie: I think you are right. Two climbers came by and while we were talking they said a "Dan-guy" was skiing down the triple.
Jerm and Jeff: (Been missing you Jeff!) thanks for the suggestions. I'll give the TriFlow a try. As for 4-season swimming, I'm su...
author=chmnyboy link=topic=16105.msg67194#msg67194 date=1269326163]
The views were incredible, and it was great to see skiers up on the N side of Dragontail.
That might have been Dan H. and Jwplotz...they skied NBC and Triple Couliors...
author=telemack link=topic=15838.msg67188#msg67188 date=1269318502]
Hey Man, just saw this; sorry nobody replied. Sounds like you had a very rewarding day; often the "too much pressure" sense of foreboding is what makes it harder to accomplish and thus more rewarding.
Good TR. :)
No worries, it looks like folks have been reading here. It was indeed a fun day.
author=GaryJan link=topic=16068.msg67042#msg67042 date=1269139102]
Looks like I'm going to have a chat with Tyler's boss, he is being way to generous with giving him days off, we do have a business to run ...... ;)
Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh ;)
Brian, thanks for convincing me that skiing would be better than working...what an awesome day.
It seems that getting lost in the trees and struggling to...
Thanks for sticking with the sticks instead of the rocks! All apologies for spreading myself a little too thin, but at least we were able to get a few nice turns in. The views were incredible, and it was great to see skiers up on the N side of Dragontail. If those skiers are reading this I do have some pictures of you, let me know if you want them.
Been meaning to get into this area for quite some time and this quick tour was a fun introduction for me. Chica, thanks for putting up wit...
Been meaning to get into this area for quite some time and this quick tour was a fun introduction for me. Chica, thanks for putting up wit...
It happened to me when they were new. I fixed it by squirting some TriFlow bike lube into the holes (per Voile's recommendation). So far so good, and they seem to get better as I use them.
If that doesn't work (it should), you can pull the base plate off the binding and stack some washers in where the return spring is to preload it and add more uumph to the mechanism.
Re: ice on the bar. I occasionally get a little sliver of ice where the bar rests on the ski, but...
If that doesn't work (it should), you can pull the base plate off the binding and stack some washers in where the return spring is to preload it and add more uumph to the mechanism.
Re: ice on the bar. I occasionally get a little sliver of ice where the bar rests on the ski, but...
author=Teleskichica link=topic=16105.msg67185#msg67185 date=1269317231]
I have had issues before with ice forming on the bar, ... really discouraged by this gear malfunction. Anybody else had this problem?
the mechanism is probably somewhat different than on my G3 Ascents, but it has to perform the same function, so you might be able to alleviate it by doing something similar to what I did on mine. I melted some wax into the tracks th...
I suddenly feel like the TAY photographer. :D
I was in the area hoping to photograph sunrise from the Mt Baker Vista viewpoint and I spied the headlamps from a party of four climbing. This could be your group (lower center of photo):
A little later, just after cresting (Right center, just right of the outcrop):
I was in the area hoping to photograph sunrise from the Mt Baker Vista viewpoint and I spied the headlamps from a party of four climbing. This could be your group (lower center of photo):
A little later, just after cresting (Right center, just right of the outcrop):
Hey Man, just saw this; sorry nobody replied. Sounds like you had a very rewarding day; often the "too much pressure" sense of foreboding is what makes it harder to accomplish and thus more rewarding.
Good TR. :)
Good TR. :)
author=LeeL link=topic=16094.msg67123#msg67123 date=1269276956]
Damn - that slide on the moraine is sobering. It's a nothing convexity below tree line. That's touchy snow
Ditto that. Glad you guys got some good, safe runs in. That block in front makes me think that's firm slab...
author=blitz link=topic=16083.msg67096#msg67096 date=1269235751]
Gee, what kind silly people could you find to go on that kind of a hike?
I'd say people that enjoy getting out in the mountains and having a good time together irregardless of the conditions. :)
Looks like it was a "character building" day, the smile on Marcus's face says it all though.
Nice report and good pict...