TR Replies
Nice work...sounds like the large WF is heartbroken....way to hit and run fellas
More from day 2 just some pics
up to Kitchener
Dropping in
up to Kitchener
Dropping in
Good work guys.
Way to nail Big Bertha (you don't know how close I came to nuking your post ;) )
Way to nail Big Bertha (you don't know how close I came to nuking your post ;) )
I thought it looked like maybe you were following an old track. So your taste in uptracks may not be that far of ours. I did notice the grade easing toward the top. I thought you were maybe getting tired, but you weren't slowing down much! A few folks in our group got grumpy about the steepness, but none of them seemed too interested in breaking a completely new track (I worked around some of the most snowshoe like spots) ;).
I spent a few minutes with a shovel at that sno...
I spent a few minutes with a shovel at that sno...
We decided to partake in the pow pow viewers left of saddle too after speaking to the couple who slept in the snowcave Saturday night. They mentioned the slopes viewers right were tracked a bit yesterday.
The Easterly slopes have given me 2 other epic days of powder this year. They all started with similar conditions on the lower slopes. Once we made it higher I knew what was in store and Yodelin did not disappoint.
Everywhere I looked groups were gettin...
The Easterly slopes have given me 2 other epic days of powder this year. They all started with similar conditions on the lower slopes. Once we made it higher I knew what was in store and Yodelin did not disappoint.
Everywhere I looked groups were gettin...
Looks good you two! Wish we could have joined you....maybe next week...Jerry
I'm glad you got in another ski day and all that great snow didn't go to waste :) And you're welcome for the up track! Just for the record, I took advantage of a track from Saturday on the lower two thirds of the hill, but set new track on the upper third. I usually like a more mellow ascent myself.
Did you dig steps on Sunday to get over the snow cap on top? I've never seen that much snow up there before!
Did you dig steps on Sunday to get over the snow cap on top? I've never seen that much snow up there before!
Thanks for letting Eric and I schralp with your group. It was fun seeing Pico again and meeting all of you. The snow and runs up high were perfection. By the time we skied out, the worrisome crust lower down softened nicely. Springtime-heavy potatoes, but eminently skiiable.
I love the terrain up there. One bowl down, two more to go.
I love the terrain up there. One bowl down, two more to go.
Nice - I wouldn't have minded going back for more - those pesky meetings!%$#$%!!
I think you can thank "solo Dave" for the uptrack (I think he posts on TAY sometimes but not sure his username), except for the spots where there was a steeper and mellower option - you can thank our party for the mellower options :). (and some of the other tracks on the mountain besides the direct uptrack - we got around a bit and beat in a "lapping track" as well as an exit trac...
I think you can thank "solo Dave" for the uptrack (I think he posts on TAY sometimes but not sure his username), except for the spots where there was a steeper and mellower option - you can thank our party for the mellower options :). (and some of the other tracks on the mountain besides the direct uptrack - we got around a bit and beat in a "lapping track" as well as an exit trac...
:) My label for the waypoint at the top of that chute is "BadChut" ;)
Indeed the snow was amazing - pictures from Sunday: http://www.flickr.com/photos/akbc/sets/72157604323971591/
That's the one Ron -- that last few hundred feet kicked up a few degrees and was just divine, though I could tell it needed all the snow it had to be in good shape. It was a treat to find. Hope to hook up with you sometime soon for a guided tour :)
Oh, wow! One photo that sticks in my head of all the routes over there is that one. Sweet. Nice to see you are killing it on the other side of the pond. Wish I were there with ya. Maybe next time.
author=Marcus link=topic=9633.msg38819#msg38819 date=1206986540">
...I think we ended up in the right vicinity, but we didn't hunt out the glades...
Sounds like you were real close, Marcus. Great snow, eh?!!
author=Mad_Dog link=topic=9633.msg38816#msg38816 date=1206985717">
...Skiing down was light and fantastic ;D
The lady doesn't lie:
Up the stump this morning (31st) for 2 quick runs. Down to the basin was really nice until about 2/3rd down when it got heavier.
2nd run down essentially just N of the ridge was very much different and exceptionally good quality all the way down through the big trees too. In fact it was too deep through the trees.
Stability assessed with shovel test at Moderate although could be considerable in more leeward areas. Crust varied in depth consererably and it...
2nd run down essentially just N of the ridge was very much different and exceptionally good quality all the way down through the big trees too. In fact it was too deep through the trees.
Stability assessed with shovel test at Moderate although could be considerable in more leeward areas. Crust varied in depth consererably and it...
Brenda and I lapped Radio Tower down to Rockdale both Sat and Sun. Had to break trail from Grand Junction to the radio tower on Sun due to the late arrival of the groomer. Fat skis were in order and Brenda really had hers working. We had done a couple runs at the resort in the morning, and it was deep on Sat (not so good on Sun). Backcountry was deeper. It's great to find good snow close to home, especially when we're on a tight schedule.
You picked a great line, Marcus. Pickhandle should have been epic... that's just about the same aspect we skied.
The narrow chute you encountered must have been the one that the bottom of Pickhandle basin drains into... that puppy's steep and needs this much snow to ski nice. Sounds like you hit it just right.
The narrow chute you encountered must have been the one that the bottom of Pickhandle basin drains into... that puppy's steep and needs this much snow to ski nice. Sounds like you hit it just right.
Great to run into you -- sorry we didn't get to ski together! Thanks again for the stash beta. I think we ended up in the right vicinity, but we didn't hunt out the glades, opting for a line down from Bluebell and a shorter day. Fantastic snow.
was up on kendall too and thought it was more like 2-3' on top of that more recent crust layer. shizz was deeeeeeep!!
now if only those mountaineering courses also included a lesson on ETIQUETTE!! came across a platoon of post holing gapers that blew up more than half of the skin track from the entrance of common wealth to most of the way up kendall. nice. they went all the way up and stopped where the skin track fizzled near the very top of the ridge.&nbs...
now if only those mountaineering courses also included a lesson on ETIQUETTE!! came across a platoon of post holing gapers that blew up more than half of the skin track from the entrance of common wealth to most of the way up kendall. nice. they went all the way up and stopped where the skin track fizzled near the very top of the ridge.&nbs...
Looks like fun Sky!
A couple of my friends have been over there that last two weeks, I was curious what the conditions were like on that side of the pond.
Have some more great adventures!
Cheers!
Joe
A couple of my friends have been over there that last two weeks, I was curious what the conditions were like on that side of the pond.
Have some more great adventures!
Cheers!
Joe
Clem,
Here's before and after shots of the 1st Basin upper avalanche area. Third photo is the lower clearcut. Pretty surprising, the intensity and quite impressive indeed for the locations.
J.
A few more Pics from a trip by Lisa: http://picasaweb.google.com/victormesny/RedMountain
Here's before and after shots of the 1st Basin upper avalanche area. Third photo is the lower clearcut. Pretty surprising, the intensity and quite impressive indeed for the locations.
J.
A few more Pics from a trip by Lisa: http://picasaweb.google.com/victormesny/RedMountain
We skied up there as well today... with our main descent being the tree-filled northwest facing slopes of Mt. Catherine. We found loads of soft, knee-deep powder in there which made trail breaking up the hill quite a workout at times and required some steep aspects to keep up any speed on the descent. Overall quite fun. We also saw little instability as the top layers had little cohesion. We didn't test any steep, more open slopes, however.
Thanks to those who laid in the nice sk...
Thanks to those who laid in the nice sk...
Glad you had a safe day. The sloughing would make me nervouss too. We were at Yodelin across from you, wondering what it was like. Now we know.
I have to preach to the choir, too. (It is Sunday, after all.) Our group of three represented by two tele geezers (53, and 56) and one Tele Buck - 26. I was thinking what a great "sport" it is that us geezers could hang out with somebody half our age and all have a great time slashing through the powder.
And man do I agree - the workout, the thrills, the beauty. Can't beat it with a stick.
Glad you "east siders" had fun.&nbs...
And man do I agree - the workout, the thrills, the beauty. Can't beat it with a stick.
Glad you "east siders" had fun.&nbs...
Good to see you out there. Hope you guys had as much fun as we did! Nothing moved - even things like unsupported powder pads hung over creeks, deposits on the side of big wind rolls, and such. I did have some sluffing building in a wave about my boots at a few points. Great turns above 4K (many face shots today), and not awful below either, though we were mostly traveling below 4K. Good cover, huh!?
Rusty Knees, Moscawulf, The Big Smooth and Anna the Snow Dog checking in.
It was a pow fest! Great to meet you guys! That was some of the best Yodelin powder ever! There were plenty of people up there, but there are still tons of fresh tracks to be had.
We had face shots, too, but mine usually come accompanied by a belly flop. We also met Jack and Anna, the wife. Also JPLingo, and several "lurkers" Dwayne, Veleska and others.&...
It was a pow fest! Great to meet you guys! That was some of the best Yodelin powder ever! There were plenty of people up there, but there are still tons of fresh tracks to be had.
We had face shots, too, but mine usually come accompanied by a belly flop. We also met Jack and Anna, the wife. Also JPLingo, and several "lurkers" Dwayne, Veleska and others.&...
The lake you went by was Skyline Lake, and the face you skied is called the Diving Board. We saw your tracks from the ski area.
The snowpack at Stevens is quite variable depending on subtle changes in aspect right now. Things that get even a little bit of sun are acting very differently from true north slopes.
I know it's obvious that sun exposure will affect what's happening in the snowpack, but the combination of unseasonably cold weather and storms with stron...
The snowpack at Stevens is quite variable depending on subtle changes in aspect right now. Things that get even a little bit of sun are acting very differently from true north slopes.
I know it's obvious that sun exposure will affect what's happening in the snowpack, but the combination of unseasonably cold weather and storms with stron...
Eloquently spoken, John. It was a good weekend for "Wow" moments on the eastside. Hard to believe it was so wintry this late in March. I'm glad to hear you found some untracked glades after our plundering of the goods Saturday. Traveling with our large party today on Red Mtn. wouldn't have yielded the solitude you sought, but I gotta tell ya, you'd have loved the turns.
Similar age breakdown, no one under 45, but then no one over...
Similar age breakdown, no one under 45, but then no one over...
author=John_Morrow link=topic=9620.msg38776#msg38776 date=1206916644]
More great folks in this widespread community.
Felt like I have to mention that of all the good friends I saw today, I can safely say that I am among the youngest at early 40's. Two were over 70 and working on probably between 7000 and 8000 vertical for the weekend! It is so inspiring to see that we all have the opportunity to stay healthy and str...
Was up there today too. Lots of faceshots, but I agree the (cohesionless) snow was not well-bonded. The sluffs were running pretty deep. Didn't see any windslabs, but there were large point releases on aspects getting sun.
Anything on the south half of the compass got pretty sun-baked and has a crust now. West-facing stuff might have fared better than east-facing (e.g. moonlight bowl = baked) since the sun was out more in the first half of the day.
Anything on the south half of the compass got pretty sun-baked and has a crust now. West-facing stuff might have fared better than east-facing (e.g. moonlight bowl = baked) since the sun was out more in the first half of the day.
Rusty, the skis were laying on an angle and certainly look thin. They are a fat pair of lime green Atomic Kalais with Dynafit bindings which are ideal for spring conditions.
Chuck, I now there's a mouse population in the Buttermilk camping area that just loves the arrival of all the spring skiers with their great snacks. ;) I know why you lived in June Lake for so many years - the countryside is spectacular. Looking forward to the trout opener and road access plus the opening...
Chuck, I now there's a mouse population in the Buttermilk camping area that just loves the arrival of all the spring skiers with their great snacks. ;) I know why you lived in June Lake for so many years - the countryside is spectacular. Looking forward to the trout opener and road access plus the opening...
Hey Zap great trip report your killing me with these pictures of sun and corn ::). Is that a tan line at your neck in the picture ;D? wow. Zap about Keogh hot springs, I guess none of the locals told you about this. They have about 75 cats to help control the mouse problem. That many cats dirty a lot of cat box's, any way they empty the cat box's into the water as it leaves the commercial pool area it keeps the dirt bags like you from free loading down stream!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Nice pictures, Zap. Those look like pretty skinny skis. Do you tele on them or stick to the roads? Looks like a great day.
Hey Bob, nice to hear you were able to get some good mid week turns in. I am glad you are enjoying your new gear. Welcome to TAY!
Do you guys often get up for an early morning tour? My old dawn patrol buddy moved back to Canada and I have only managed two tours this winter. I'm always up for it if work allows.
The "after work" tours are now in season with longer days and spring conditions.
May only have a couple more weeks this year, but Monday and Tuesday next week look promising.
I work downtown.
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The "after work" tours are now in season with longer days and spring conditions.
May only have a couple more weeks this year, but Monday and Tuesday next week look promising.
I work downtown.
author=Rusty Knees link=topic=9587.msg38707#msg38707 date=1206664792]
Glad you guys had such a great time, since I talked it up so much. I am jealous of your good weather. You don't know if you don't go. I enjoyed the pictures. See you up there.
Don
Thanks for the beta and the impetus to get up there Don. It was your post that planted the seed of Jim Hill Mtn firmly in my mind. Catch you out on the slopes!
More awsome pics trips and pics..thanks!!!!!
author=Larry_R link=topic=9601.msg38722#msg38722 date=1206716861]
Thanks for doing the TR John!
Speaking of excuses, and the idea that one excuse is as good as any other, here are some choices why I did not go to the top of Jolly:
a) old age
b) 'snow's better over here'
c) did not want to wake the snow troll who lives on the top of Jolly
d) 'I thought this was Jolly...'
e) might get altitude sickne...
Thanks for doing the TR John!
What a great series of runs. This makes maybe 8 weeks in a row there where I've lucked out on the conditions, and each week has been different. What John didn't mention was that this trip put him over 14,000 ft. vertical for the week. That's a fair amount more than his average of ~10,000 per week I think (summer too). So that seems to me like a good excuse for not skiing 1,500 ft off the east side of Jolly, where the only way out is back u...
What a great series of runs. This makes maybe 8 weeks in a row there where I've lucked out on the conditions, and each week has been different. What John didn't mention was that this trip put him over 14,000 ft. vertical for the week. That's a fair amount more than his average of ~10,000 per week I think (summer too). So that seems to me like a good excuse for not skiing 1,500 ft off the east side of Jolly, where the only way out is back u...
Zap you old dog. Don't you know the Cali. whether forcast yet! those wisp's in your first picture are the cloudy skies! Your killing me with this stuff, I'm home sick. However you are missing some great powder skiing, another 18" at Paradise yesterday. Make a few turns for Linda and me.
Sounds like a great trip.
Happy belated birthday, Monika!!
Happy belated birthday, Monika!!
Nice pics! Glad you guys had some great weather!
author=iluka link=topic=9587.msg38665#msg38665 date=1206583240]
Lots of traversing had us up on the summit ridge about 3 hours after leaving the forest service road.
Glad you guys had such a great time, since I talked it up so much. I am jealous of your good weather. You don't know if you don't go. I enjoyed the pictures. See you up there.
Don
Sweet. Sounds like you're scoring big time.
I'm really digging that sweater 8).
I'm really digging that sweater 8).
Great TRs...really appreciate them!
Thanks for the report Greg, just why I read TAY - we were thinking twice about a trip up there next week due to Avy danger in BC, but it doesn't look too bad at at the pass. Look for our TR in a week or so.
Glad to hear you weren't abducted! ;) Nice tr and pics!