TR Replies
thanks for the info.... sad but i guess not unexpected about the snowpack in the cirque receding away to almost nuthin
Pete - there are 3 or 4 remnant neve patches spread out along the upper wall. I doubt if any are more than 200 VF long. There are a few minor patches down in the flats, but no vertical there! I guess there is only about 20% of the "permanent" snow shown on the USGS map left. Similar melting to that which I observed on the White Chuck Glacier on Glacier Peak last month.
Scotsman & Marcus - thanks!
Scotsman & Marcus - thanks!
author=Scotsman link=topic=14018.msg58720#msg58720 date=1252471057]
Wife shaking her head in disbelief!
She should know you by now.
Itchy asked me if I was supprised when I saw you skinning up the snowfield.
I told him that I should have been shocked but really I wasn't. Your like a child who never wants to miss out.
It was nice to see some other familiar faces yesterday. I anticipated seeing...
from your picture it kinda looks like goat cirque is completely melted out...is there any neve still clinging to the steeps in the cirque or is it down to bare rock walls now? i remember doing some fun yoyoing in that cirque maybe nine years ago in october...wondering if those slopes are toast now.
Indeed -- hopefully you'll reap some rewards for your work.
Good effort.
A deposit in the Karma bank.
A deposit in the Karma bank.
Scotsman, Snowbell, Amar: great seeing you yesterday enroute on the snowfield.
The snow was initially hard and icy while hiking up to Pebble Creek, but softened up wonderfully for the skinning to Muir and the ski back down.
More photos posted here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/chriscass1/FreshSnowAndSunForSeptemberTurnsMuirSnowfieldMtRainierNatParkSept82009?authkey=Gv1sRgCPu64tj3k7ukJQ#
The snow was initially hard and icy while hiking up to Pebble Creek, but softened up wonderfully for the skinning to Muir and the ski back down.
More photos posted here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/chriscass1/FreshSnowAndSunForSeptemberTurnsMuirSnowfieldMtRainierNatParkSept82009?authkey=Gv1sRgCPu64tj3k7ukJQ#
You guys hit it right. Nice work.
Andrew - ended up at the beach near Anacortes with the fam. It was sunny and about 70. But my littlest was talking about skiing, so we were there in spirit.
Andrew - ended up at the beach near Anacortes with the fam. It was sunny and about 70. But my littlest was talking about skiing, so we were there in spirit.
I went up today, Tuesday although I wasn't planning on it as I had a medical procedure in the early morning that required sedation and a day of fasting beforehand( although Snow Bell was advising me not to take the sedation so I could go skiing) Anyway after the procedure my wife drove me home and I looked at the Paradise Web Cams. Bad idea.
It was too much for me :-[ so I threw my ski gear in the car and hot footed it to Paradise to try and see if I could find Snowbell and his...
It was too much for me :-[ so I threw my ski gear in the car and hot footed it to Paradise to try and see if I could find Snowbell and his...
Great day out on the snowfield with all the new snow!
Given the recent reports of crevasses below muir, dirty snow, and suncups galore, I was excited about the prospect of as much as 2 feet of new to smooth it all out. As we climbed higher and higher the snow got better and better, and deeper and deeper, my grin further widening...
Andrew setting up the scenario.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAHDgbQxVnU
A few more pics to add to the feeling of the day.
Given the recent reports of crevasses below muir, dirty snow, and suncups galore, I was excited about the prospect of as much as 2 feet of new to smooth it all out. As we climbed higher and higher the snow got better and better, and deeper and deeper, my grin further widening...
Andrew setting up the scenario.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAHDgbQxVnU
A few more pics to add to the feeling of the day.
I'm betting most of it will be melted off by the wkend, though some of it up high on the glaciers may linger enough to keep things smoothed out. The mountain sure looked beautiful today from town; wishing all day I still had Tuesday's off :(.
I have great confidence that vogtski or acarey or one of the other fortunate, retired ashford skiiers will tonight post a report of todays blue on new... please, for tomorrow, it rains at 11 k and my only thoughts will be i SHGY..
this is so refreshing (i know, it's what everyone is thinking, but i had to state the obvious)
i'll return to my sweet dreams of knee deep pow now. thanks.
i'll return to my sweet dreams of knee deep pow now. thanks.
Those photos are a tripfest! The perspective of a soloist dodging vertigo? ::)
Any predictions on whether/where the snow will linger next weekend?
Any predictions on whether/where the snow will linger next weekend?
Gracias, Wolfs. Maybe next weekend we'll try for some slim pickin's.
dude, absolutely beautiful! I'm sure the trip has been an once as amazing as the pictures! ;)
I should note that there may be options beyond the point where I stopped. In the cruel month of September,2005 I found a patch of semi-turnable snow/ice about 1/2 mile past the Coleman Pinnacle that reached the trail. The Sholes Glacier may still have some "snow". This is what the area looked a month ago. http://telemarktalk.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=59417&highlight=diamonds+sholes+boots
Good luck.
Good luck.
Thanks for the info!
It looks lean but I am going to head that way on friday regardless of weather to keep the turns all year flow going!
Good one!
Almost four years now!
It looks lean but I am going to head that way on friday regardless of weather to keep the turns all year flow going!
Good one!
Almost four years now!
Hi Bob,
Way to get September! I think that Deschutes Brew was mine - did you save it for me? ;)
Well, you don't have to ski again til Oct 31, so Maybe, just maybe...
Way to get September! I think that Deschutes Brew was mine - did you save it for me? ;)
Well, you don't have to ski again til Oct 31, so Maybe, just maybe...
What beautiful terrain! Enjoy your last day there tomorrow -- fingers crossed that the winds aren't as strong as forecasted. :o
Nice one! Yes, empies are great snack food for ski touring, along with an alfajore.
Thanks for the post. Photo #21 in the pacasa link is great!
September is going to be a challenge. As much as I'd like to see an Indian Summer, I think I'll start the snow dance a bit earlier this year.
September is going to be a challenge. As much as I'd like to see an Indian Summer, I think I'll start the snow dance a bit earlier this year.
^Ding-ding-ding^
I've got the 172 and love it but need to upgrade to the BTX. And props on testing out a new board in August! http://www.lib-tech.com/snow/snowboards/skunk-apes/
I've got the 172 and love it but need to upgrade to the BTX. And props on testing out a new board in August! http://www.lib-tech.com/snow/snowboards/skunk-apes/
always love those places where one can ski powder and see the ocean....
i'm glad you guys are finding the goods after a rough start to your trip.
i'm glad you guys are finding the goods after a rough start to your trip.
awseome! I can feel the wind through my monitor!
Andy, I remember using the Andescross website for a lot of our pre trip planning back in 2005 and 2007.
Soulskier, are you still spending North American winters in Tahoe ?
Soulskier, are you still spending North American winters in Tahoe ?
Zap, we discovered Juan Pablo through Jorge, a guide I knew from my last trip in Bariloche. Both were very knowledgeable about their respective areas, laidback and quite helpful in getting the goods. I will post a trip video shortly.
Also, soulskier, thanks a lot for the ride to the airport and the sweet casita llao, llao. You have a great setup in Bariloche.
Also, soulskier, thanks a lot for the ride to the airport and the sweet casita llao, llao. You have a great setup in Bariloche.
Great TR and photo. During our flights into and departing Ushuaia, I was amazed at the mountain terrain for touring.
I'm curious about your guide, Juan Pablo. During our visit, we stayed at Hostel El Nido de los Condores at 9 de Julio. Within the hostel was the office for a guide service, Compania de Guias de Patagonia. One of the services they offered was ski touring. Was Juan Pablo affiliated with this group ?
I'm curious about your guide, Juan Pablo. During our visit, we stayed at Hostel El Nido de los Condores at 9 de Julio. Within the hostel was the office for a guide service, Compania de Guias de Patagonia. One of the services they offered was ski touring. Was Juan Pablo affiliated with this group ?
Great to see that you made it to Ushuaia. It is a unique location. In November, 2005, Jill and I spent some time in the area. There was no snow remaining due to a poor winter in 2005. We rode the lift for the great views of Beagle Channel. We also enjoyed lunch at the refugio at the top of the lift. The winds of Patagonia are memorable. ;)
Nice report. I had a haunting suspicion the end of the world would serve it up for you guys. BTW, the sun finally came out in Bariloche yesterday afternoon.
Damn.
Damn.
Damn.
Damn.
Nice work guys.
Seething with jealousy.
Damn.
Damn.
Damn.
Nice work guys.
Seething with jealousy.
You made a good call my friend. I'm glad you're getting some.
Looks fantastic1
Looks fantastic1
Ha! No, though that's what I´d expected -- what we actually skied is around the corner over the right skyline and much less imposing, but the line in that picture is repeated over and over in the surrounding terrain. You could come down here and just nail line after line for months, and 90% of them would be first descents. It's paradise.
That mountain/area looks unreal. Did you ski the couloir in the middle of that face that looks like it dead ends 3/4 the way up? Nice Work!
I just have to ask.
What is a skunape 67 that you where testing????
What is a skunape 67 that you where testing????
When I came down the section in photo 2 it was about 9:30 in the morning (after climbing the Table Mt.trail and traveling along the southern aspect of the mountain) and it was very icy. I was more concerned about not getting hurt than assessing for possible turns. Personally, I think that the small snowfield to your left as you start the Ptarmigan Ridge trail would make a more interesting ski if you don't want to venture too far from the car.
How many vf can you get in one lap? Also, what's the best way there? Do you start by going up the Table Mountain Trail? In September, it appears that desperate times will require desperate measures.
I hiked across Table Mountain a couple days before you.
Photo 1 is a comparison shot to your interesting black and white picture (Scout camp,perhaps?)
Photo 2 is a section of the glacier that I presume you boarded on.
Photo 1 is a comparison shot to your interesting black and white picture (Scout camp,perhaps?)
Photo 2 is a section of the glacier that I presume you boarded on.
- some cool shots, #10 is quite "gnarly"
Things have changed.
The ticket price was 285 vs 300 at Caterdal.( thats for 2)
The access road was freshly graded when we arrived.
Parking was free.
Our impression was that it was much better ran the Catedral. We actually saw patrollers and all the lifts where running.
The nearby town of Ville de Angositno was very clean and up market.
The touring potential is unbelievable as the resort offers easy access to some incredible terrain that just keeps on going.
The ticket price was 285 vs 300 at Caterdal.( thats for 2)
The access road was freshly graded when we arrived.
Parking was free.
Our impression was that it was much better ran the Catedral. We actually saw patrollers and all the lifts where running.
The nearby town of Ville de Angositno was very clean and up market.
The touring potential is unbelievable as the resort offers easy access to some incredible terrain that just keeps on going.
Great to see that you went to Bayo. I had read a few touring reports about the terrain but the snowpack was low when we were there. A few things I remember about Bayo:
- they charged the same lift ticket price as Cathedral
- the single chair
-the entrance ramp to the lift was a drop in setup
- the access road which was massive potholes
-the paid parking area
A unique area.
I'm reliving my past trips. Keep'em coming...
- they charged the same lift ticket price as Cathedral
- the single chair
-the entrance ramp to the lift was a drop in setup
- the access road which was massive potholes
-the paid parking area
A unique area.
I'm reliving my past trips. Keep'em coming...
Like some spoiled child at the fair Scottie insisted on riding the pink hippo chair. We had to stand around waiting for the froggy, pussy cat and giraffe to pass by before he'd load.
Scotty,
Nicely done.
I cannot think of a better emissary to represent our country and our ski community.
Keep doing one of the things you excel at which is making new friends ;)
Nicely done.
I cannot think of a better emissary to represent our country and our ski community.
Keep doing one of the things you excel at which is making new friends ;)
Great story.
Digging pits to build cultural bridges (though it sounds like there wasn't too much distance to cross - just a bunch of skiers taking a pit....)? The world seems pretty small sometimes. Nice.
Digging pits to build cultural bridges (though it sounds like there wasn't too much distance to cross - just a bunch of skiers taking a pit....)? The world seems pretty small sometimes. Nice.
The folks that I've met at Club Andino have always been helpful. You may want to stop by their small clubhouse/office in town. They have, in the past, offered bus shuttles out to Volcan Tronador where you can tour and there is some rustic hut/shelter. There's also a great ice cream shop right near their office.
The Winds of Patagonia can certainly establish a baseline for "misery".
Could you put a note inside your pack of smokes to remember to bring...
The Winds of Patagonia can certainly establish a baseline for "misery".
Could you put a note inside your pack of smokes to remember to bring...
Thanks for posting this Keith, Hopefully September turns can be made in 3 feet of light fluffy pow on Chinook, aahhh.
See also August 16 report from maryG. As of 8/23 the glacial ice and cracks were avoidable in boot track climbers right to 9,000 ft at Moon Rocks, but pretty much full width on the somewhat steeper section above the bench at that elevation.
Folks heading to Muir will find these photos relevant:
http://cascadeclimbers.com/trip-reports/alpine/mt-rainier-dc-8-21-2009-4323/
http://cascadeclimbers.com/trip-reports/alpine/mt-rainier-dc-8-21-2009-4323/