TR Replies
Silas: good to hear you had great weather -- i wish i could have seen/experienced the cloud deck. thanks for the TR.
yup....that be me....in that fine Scottish restaurant....a long, long time ago...
author=silaswild link=topic=4830.msg20439#msg20439 date=1149035718]
Enjoyed a chat with the Scotsman (10 days sans cigarettes!)
What's this! Who's going to provide me with my once annual Marlboro Light at Camp Muir? I almost picked up the habit after last year's sublime smoke at 10,000 feet with Scotty. But it wasn't to be, as the smell stuck with me through the night in my little one man tent. Couldn't hack it.
hey kam, thanks for posting the tr and great photo on the butte. who would have guessed we'd be skiing powder with blue bird skies after our lovely car camp at sparks lake ;) glad we could come to the rescue that night with pizza and beer for those hard core types in the group, huddled in the megamid while we read vanity fair "waiting" for the pepperoni to cook on the sunny side. the bc experience at its best. ;D thanks to everybody for a memorable memorial day!
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author=kam link=topic=4829.msg20435#msg20435 date=1149032222]
Paul was most excited about our camping spot.
yes, paul was quite fond of that place. both he and kam really missed out when they decided to drive back to bend on saturday for pizza and beer, instead of joining the rest of us on the 'sparks lake loop tour'... ::)
great trip, everyone! i'm glad we were able to enjoy som...
No fault, even though I thought the left was correct, it looked off angle. The right side looked like great fall line and had that nice bowl shape, it was too hard to resist. I also kind of enjoyed the adventure of the final scramble (my wife might have enjoyed it a little less). I don't feel bad about missing out on the downclimb.
When you look down from the top, you can see that the correct chute is pretty good fall line too, with just a little off angle near the bottom.
When you look down from the top, you can see that the correct chute is pretty good fall line too, with just a little off angle near the bottom.
That reminds me of this fatal avalanche on May 31, 1998:
http://www.traditionalmountaineering.org/Report_MtHood_AvalancheDescribed.htm
The picture at the bottom of the link is taken from the other side of Crater Rock, but it involves much of the same terrain.
http://www.traditionalmountaineering.org/Report_MtHood_AvalancheDescribed.htm
The picture at the bottom of the link is taken from the other side of Crater Rock, but it involves much of the same terrain.
whoops, sorry to lead you astray with our old tracks...guess my buddy whose been up there a couple times before had been going up the wrong way every time...now I know betta.
(phil, you were right all along!)
(phil, you were right all along!)
Silas,
Did you get that fantastic vertiginous feeling, nearly nauseasting, looking down at the cloud deck while bombing the snowfield? It sure was great yesterday!
Oh, yes, contradictory as ever: Sunday was great powder, just had to get above the clouds.
Did you get that fantastic vertiginous feeling, nearly nauseasting, looking down at the cloud deck while bombing the snowfield? It sure was great yesterday!
Oh, yes, contradictory as ever: Sunday was great powder, just had to get above the clouds.
There was a narrow strip of snow along the edge of the tree line that dropped as far as we could look, which wasn't really that far, so I'm not sure but couldn't interest anyone in the narrow ski followed by having to boot back up given that it was not looking skinning-friendly down there. But if you're into skiing the ribbon, it may be well worth exploring for at least a few days yet...
Hey Jim
The Lake Annette-side run: no go at all, or just kind of narrow and short? I think I have skied it when in parts it was only a few ski-widths wide, and didn't go down that far (there is a "choke point" about 3/4 of the way down to the trail where you break through from the big talus field to a shorter shot, for example). Is it worth it dropping it part-way? David
The Lake Annette-side run: no go at all, or just kind of narrow and short? I think I have skied it when in parts it was only a few ski-widths wide, and didn't go down that far (there is a "choke point" about 3/4 of the way down to the trail where you break through from the big talus field to a shorter shot, for example). Is it worth it dropping it part-way? David
Ron - Many thanks for the great tour!
One of the best indeed! Not only did Ron agree to go on his "weekend off" given the marginal weather, but he planned the route, navigated flawlessly through full IFR conditions, presented the complete ski/mining history of the local area as we toured, and (insert really big drum roll here) bro...
Someone had to do it and I personally feel that we sent one of our "best men".
One of the best indeed! Not only did Ron agree to go on his "weekend off" given the marginal weather, but he planned the route, navigated flawlessly through full IFR conditions, presented the complete ski/mining history of the local area as we toured, and (insert really big drum roll here) bro...
Dave,
Talking with ski folks at the "office" on days back is often a highlight to those mornings. Trading ski stories with a 6th grader in May really takes the cake! I asked Brett if Summerland was a go considering the weather. He told well of his day at Stevens. Glad you got the window of good weather. Nice photos; great to see him on skis. Looking forward to skiing with you all sometime soon.
Cheers,
Jessica
Talking with ski folks at the "office" on days back is often a highlight to those mornings. Trading ski stories with a 6th grader in May really takes the cake! I asked Brett if Summerland was a go considering the weather. He told well of his day at Stevens. Glad you got the window of good weather. Nice photos; great to see him on skis. Looking forward to skiing with you all sometime soon.
Cheers,
Jessica
No, no, thank YOU for a great day. ;) Without you as a guide, I don't think we would have had half the run we did. Nice photos.
Looks like good skiing. My brother did summit Gilbert in the goat rocks, so you may have missed out (via that approach, which isn't the best for old snowy but possible) ;D Besides those pictures show nice turns, so maybe it was only me that missed out :-[
Thanks for all work digging out the road! our trip was significantly shorter then anticipated when we found we could drive to within 0.13 miles of the TH Monday morning.
Damn Pete....sweet traverse! You guys sneaked-in a terrific line so late in the season. ;D
You guys were a day early.
Monday was a blue bird day on Stewart - brisk and windy in the morning, but perfect in the afternoon. Cascadian was in great condition (lots of folks on it) My TR (and others I'm sure) to follow.
My buddies tried to get me to drive over that snow in my van, but I wisely refused, so we camped right there Sunday night. We lucked out when some 4 wheelers came up in the evening and took 2 of us up near the trail head to stash skis and boots.
Monday was a blue bird day on Stewart - brisk and windy in the morning, but perfect in the afternoon. Cascadian was in great condition (lots of folks on it) My TR (and others I'm sure) to follow.
My buddies tried to get me to drive over that snow in my van, but I wisely refused, so we camped right there Sunday night. We lucked out when some 4 wheelers came up in the evening and took 2 of us up near the trail head to stash skis and boots.
author=Zap link=topic=4815.msg20405#msg20405 date=1148924864]
Ron, Thanks for the update. Someone had to do it and I personally feel that we sent one of our "best men". But I thought you knew better. ;)
Just gotta "take one for the team" sometimes, Zapster. I may not be as smart as you thought I was ;)
As usual, nice report, Jeff.
And what a great example of how late season dumps can slide off of an established base. Thanks for the pictures.
And what a great example of how late season dumps can slide off of an established base. Thanks for the pictures.
Thanks for the fun day Eric, heres a few more pics
http://www.flickr.com/photos/76398054@N00/tags/interglacier/
SD
http://www.flickr.com/photos/76398054@N00/tags/interglacier/
SD
Ron, Thanks for the update. Someone had to do it and I personally feel that we sent one of our "best men". But I thought you knew better. ;)
Tony, Great report. I enjoyed reading it while sitting in my favorite chair with a cup of coffee on Monday morning. I understand your frustration. I have reread the weather forecasts dozens of times this weekend hoping for a miracle and some sunshine. Your persistence is admirable.
We've been back from the Sierra for 7 days and it has rained for the past 6. Hmmm.!
We've decided to head for Whistler and use some free lift tickets and hope the "sunny"...
We've been back from the Sierra for 7 days and it has rained for the past 6. Hmmm.!
We've decided to head for Whistler and use some free lift tickets and hope the "sunny"...
I skied the east side of the area yesterday. I didn't see the road closure stuff that you mentioned (arriving 10-ish, departing 3:30-ish).
Despite the thin snow (or thick rain, depending on your perspective) and despite the concrete @1" on top the skiing was surprisingly good! Turns produced snowballs that quickly grew to @ 3 feet in diameter and dodging them became a fun game.
The new snow covered the sun cups and there is lots of snow so ther...
Despite the thin snow (or thick rain, depending on your perspective) and despite the concrete @1" on top the skiing was surprisingly good! Turns produced snowballs that quickly grew to @ 3 feet in diameter and dodging them became a fun game.
The new snow covered the sun cups and there is lots of snow so ther...
author=ron j link=topic=4815.msg20398#msg20398 date=1148873402]
After dropping Marco at his rig, I saw Joe and crew again alongside the road on my way down. But when I went back to make sure they were not trying to poach another ride, they had skied off.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it ;)
A fine story it is...
I appreciate that you turned around for the pick-up Ron!
Before the last rain...
I was wondering how it would be up there with the road open but heavy precip. Hmmm. Way to go get it, rj.
Looks like a good trip gang!
Some neat shots there Ron.
Some neat shots there Ron.
Finally got some shots up from this trip...
MadDog and Mo descending the PG:
author=Darryl link=topic=4796.msg20329#msg20329 date=1148492436">
Ron has some pictures of skiing in the rain that will make GREAT ski Washington posters. Like my Dad used to say, "Ya, if you go fishing, you're gonna get wet!"
MadDog and Mo descending the PG:
I didn't see any paw prints on my foray into Summerland last weekend, so they must be new. The group of "6 cars" left a boot track, but it wasn't always easy to follow.
I agree those couloirs looked prime... getting across the river could be tough though.
Also agree that the way into Summerland is about as bad as it can be right now... much slower than walking on dry trail, and yet way too bumpy + too many creek crossings for easy skinning.
I agree those couloirs looked prime... getting across the river could be tough though.
Also agree that the way into Summerland is about as bad as it can be right now... much slower than walking on dry trail, and yet way too bumpy + too many creek crossings for easy skinning.
I know that photo too. Every once in awhile when I go to said prominent fast food joint in Oakridge I find myself looking at that picture and thinking back about similiar trips I've had on other Oregon Volcanoes........... :)
Sure looked like doggie paw tracks to me. Could have been coyote tracks, but they paralleled the boot track. Maybe it was a lone wolf stalking the lone boarder.
The approach is a long haul for sure. It's currently in transition, difficult for skinning yet not great for booting with lots of punch-through potential. I'd give it a couple of weeks, unless you're hungry for one of the N. facing couloirs off the Sarvant Glaciers (which are looking spec...
The approach is a long haul for sure. It's currently in transition, difficult for skinning yet not great for booting with lots of punch-through potential. I'd give it a couple of weeks, unless you're hungry for one of the N. facing couloirs off the Sarvant Glaciers (which are looking spec...
author=normanclyde link=topic=4806.msg20353#msg20353 date=1148622079]
The White River entrance is officially open.
The trail has a pretty well established boot track, thanks (I guess) to the dedicated souls who rode bikes in from the gate at Crystal before the official opening. ......
...I followed one boot track and one doggie paw track into the basin.
The established trail must be from the unofficial public (W...
Nice job. I wish we had things like that in Oregon.
author=Steve_Taber link=topic=4791.msg20339#msg20339 date=1148531703]
Ahhhh....
My old stomping grounds. Pole Creek and Soap Creek entrances to B. Top are good as well....'never have seen any cats up there however...
Alright massive thread drift: Hey Steve, if you're the Steve Taber I'm thinking of, I just wanted to let you know that the photo of you on Diamond Peak is still prominently on the wall of a certain...
A few photos here:
http://faculty.washington.edu/balcs/twinsisters
http://faculty.washington.edu/balcs/twinsisters
Ahhhh....
My old stomping grounds. Pole Creek and Soap Creek entrances to B. Top are good as well....'never have seen any cats up there however...
My old stomping grounds. Pole Creek and Soap Creek entrances to B. Top are good as well....'never have seen any cats up there however...
nice work, all! glad the weather didn't slow you down too much...and hey, what's a little weather to you pros? ;)
Ron has some pictures of skiing in the rain that will make GREAT ski Washington posters. Like my Dad used to say, "Ya, if you go fishing, you're gonna get wet!"
The VW-sized cornice piece that slid about 30 feet beyond the deposition zone was impressive. The slide zone was about 100 feet wide and only a few inches deep. That east-facing slope is solid!
Ron - I have your rope.
The VW-sized cornice piece that slid about 30 feet beyond the deposition zone was impressive. The slide zone was about 100 feet wide and only a few inches deep. That east-facing slope is solid!
Ron - I have your rope.
The snow sure was holding up well despite the weather. Wish I'd seen the crew. We were just at the Nisqually Chutes at the storm's climax and we bailed from there accordingly.
author=Paul_Russell link=topic=4791.msg20321#msg20321 date=1148449670]
I've been trained to take the pics ;)
wow Paul, warmest thankyou from kitty and I.
that was a beautiful WA powder day in April
It was a great day and ski, even though the weather somewhat changed our "second choice" to a much shorter outing :(. Surprising enough though, even with the rain, the snow was still holding up great for some really good spring ski turns ;D.
Nice report. The mountains are always wilder when one is alone.
90% of tabbys are male. I guess Kitty is in that 10%. My Gino does not like to be carried so will have to find another orange one that likes to hang on for "the wild ride".
90% of tabbys are male. I guess Kitty is in that 10%. My Gino does not like to be carried so will have to find another orange one that likes to hang on for "the wild ride".
You need to train Kitty to take some pictures of you!
I've been trained to take the pics ;) thanks for posting the tr monika. nice job, you and kitty getting into broken top in 2 hours!
You need to train Kitty to take some pictures of you!
author=Jeff Huber link=topic=4791.msg20311#msg20311 date=1148414137]
My favorite photo was... Do you mind if I embed it in my post? Thanks :)
thank you so much Jeff. Kitty feels relieved to be able to show what a great time Kitty had out there :D
In regards to road access Cass, I don't know about the Carver Lake area.
The locals BC shop in Bend, Pine Mountain Sports, was very helpful and...
I had a great half-day ski in this area on Saturday afternoon (Spire Gully and Madison Avenue). Snow was wet, well-consolidated and not-intolerably-sticky, even leaving the parking lot at 2:30 PM. Despite the drastic meltdown of this past week, conditions are far superior to last year (and there's some potential freshening on the way later this week). Nice to see someone taking advantage of that nice weather Sunday morning....while we slept, waiting for the sun to hit the tent.&...
Nice work. My favorite photo was of your friend on Broken Top with South and Middle in the background. Do you mind if I embed it in my post? Thanks :)
Monika - great report and pictures. Kitty looks burly too!
Nice work! and cool photos...
Sounds like most of the eastern approach roads to the Sisters are still snow-bound??? (Was curious if the access road for the route which leads to the area between South and Middle Sister (Carver Lake area) is melted-out yet).
Sounds like most of the eastern approach roads to the Sisters are still snow-bound??? (Was curious if the access road for the route which leads to the area between South and Middle Sister (Carver Lake area) is melted-out yet).
Thanks for the tour Joe. ;D
Learnt some new places to ski in th eCrystal BC and did my first desecent of Joe's Badass Shoulder ;D
Learnt some new places to ski in th eCrystal BC and did my first desecent of Joe's Badass Shoulder ;D