TR Replies
What a great day... thanks for putting this together Lowell!
I turned on my GPS on at the top (and I know a few others did too). I'm not one to usually fiddle with waypoints and stuff, but it was interesting to see my progress down the snowfield afterwards in TOPO!
Here is annotated map, with my 1 minute waypoints marked (that's a GPS glitch near the beginning):
Route Map
A very humble 20 minute run for me - I t...
I turned on my GPS on at the top (and I know a few others did too). I'm not one to usually fiddle with waypoints and stuff, but it was interesting to see my progress down the snowfield afterwards in TOPO!
Here is annotated map, with my 1 minute waypoints marked (that's a GPS glitch near the beginning):
Route Map
A very humble 20 minute run for me - I t...
Nice report and pictures from Hood. Ann and I skinned up to a bit below Crater Rock and didn't wait long enough for a window of good visibility to descend. By the time we were finishing our run the sun decided to make a short appearance on the Zig Zag.
Great picture Zeno. I like how you can see all eighteen of us clearly. The idea of sixty racers boggles the mind!
Wow - excellent report Lowell! Glad things worked out so well.
Nice report.... too bad it didn't work out :-)
I've heard the best way to get to the north face (when there isn't any snow cover in the valley), is to drop straight down to the valley from the end of the logging road that branches off from 542 just before the resort, then climb up the other side out of the valley, and then along the ridge to the col at the base of the face. I've never tried it though.
I've only gone the way you went though (on the way in), and it was very qui...
I've heard the best way to get to the north face (when there isn't any snow cover in the valley), is to drop straight down to the valley from the end of the logging road that branches off from 542 just before the resort, then climb up the other side out of the valley, and then along the ridge to the col at the base of the face. I've never tried it though.
I've only gone the way you went though (on the way in), and it was very qui...
Zap, The idea of turning my niece into a sherpa is brilliant! I'll start working on that right away. :)
I'm not going to have any Sierra trips this Spring. Hopefully another year.
I'm not going to have any Sierra trips this Spring. Hopefully another year.
Hey Zap, retired is good, eh? I retired about 5 years ago as wel and enjoy skiing, mountain biking, backcountry, etc.
I am thinking of skiing something near TIoga on Tue and Wed. How are the conditions? Thinking of 3rd pillar or Ripper. Both East facing, but 3rd Pillar is more protected from the sun. Or Gibbs, East facing and in full sun.
Any beta will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Rod
I am thinking of skiing something near TIoga on Tue and Wed. How are the conditions? Thinking of 3rd pillar or Ripper. Both East facing, but 3rd Pillar is more protected from the sun. Or Gibbs, East facing and in full sun.
Any beta will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Rod
Jeff, Your new niece looks like a potential sherpa for uncle Jeff. I have 5 grandsons and the first words I spoke to them when they were born were "it's fun to breaktrail and carry some of grandpa's pack weight." I think I may have a break through with my 3 year old grandson in North Bend,WA.
When are you coming to the Sierras ? :)
Zap
When are you coming to the Sierras ? :)
Zap
Related to Shasta, on TTips a user posted an article from today's SF Chronical about a study from the USGS reviewing the threat of volcanoes and calling for better monitoring:
At present, two of the three most dangerous California volcanoes are not only in the northern part of the state, several hours' drive from San Francisco, but those two -- Mount Shasta and Lassen Peak -- are like bomb factories without burglar alarms: They're inadequately monitored with sei...
Skiing is great rate now in the Sierra and the snowpack should take us into mid-June. However, I caution one to believe that the weather will cooperate. All it takes is one heat wave to throw everything out of cycle. In 1995 after another stellar year and one of the top 5 on record in the Sierra, a heat wave came through and rapidly melted the snowpack. Reservoirs could not catch the snowmelt runoff, neccessary for Ca' water supply.
I'm a realist. Ski it whil...
I'm a realist. Ski it whil...
We were at Chinook Friday and had a decent tour on Yakima Peak - the percipitation came down as snow, with little accumulation - the North facing runs had enough coverage,but the best conditions were the turns back to the car just before it got real warm -
I agree with powderjunkie. Skiing there in spring/summer of '98, similar to this years snowpack, Mammoth was still open on July 4th, and we had just skied Dana Couloir and Ellery bowl to the highway on smooth snow....The skis to the desert floor may not be skiiable this late, but when Tioga pass opens, there is still plenty to ski well into summer.
I agree with skoog. Last weekend I was in a new area (for me) and I could see a dozen or more peaks that begged to be skied, let alone by how many routes.
Edit to add: I just read your post Sky. You make me crack up! If anyone would prove you wrong, it would be yourself. In that case, I'll buy you a case and if I live maybe I'll even take a drink.
Edit to add: I just read your post Sky. You make me crack up! If anyone would prove you wrong, it would be yourself. In that case, I'll buy you a case and if I live maybe I'll even take a drink.
I absolutely agree with Lowell. There's a lot to do. I'm not ready to quit. I haven't even begun. We're just stretching our legs getting ready for the track meet, eh?
But for Amar, I will go ahead and call this summit unskiable. Mt Washington in Oregon is quite different. Sure, the top is craggy and cliffy, but once you get below that you're in a mellow open bowl. In the right conditions you do a little sidestepping and billygoating on top, take a 20-30 foot huck, and then cruise t...
But for Amar, I will go ahead and call this summit unskiable. Mt Washington in Oregon is quite different. Sure, the top is craggy and cliffy, but once you get below that you're in a mellow open bowl. In the right conditions you do a little sidestepping and billygoating on top, take a 20-30 foot huck, and then cruise t...
Nice trip! That's one I'd like to do sometime.
I think last October Ann and I skied Muir with you and I remember you mentioned that you were headed there. Glad to hear it worked out. (I think it was a sunny weekday about mid month)
I think last October Ann and I skied Muir with you and I remember you mentioned that you were headed there. Glad to hear it worked out. (I think it was a sunny weekday about mid month)
Guess we can now close the books on Cascades ski mountaineering!
Heavens no, there's plenty of other things to do. Even routes that have been "done" could be improved upon. Plus if a route is really worthwhile, it's worth doing again even if it doesn't count in the record books.
I like Phil's observation that the NE flank of Jack goes way down to 3400 feet before leveling out. If you camped next to the peak (the basin below the...
Sky skinnning the icefall, shortly before switching to crampons.
I think your local guide is mistaken Jim. Ton's of coverage that will last AT LEAST 2 more months. This could be a Sierra's TAY kinda year. ;D
Navaho didn't look too good for skiing from up on the ridge above Bean Creek this past weekend (and in fact the pickings were slim in Bean Creek Basin too), so unless you meant to go hike Navaho, I suspect you made a good choice. Sounds like even Ingalls is a lot of hiking right now...
Korup, cost was about $1950, this included all hut costs and meals except snacks you had to buy yourself.
Additionally , you paid for your own transport costs to Chamonix. Included in $1950 was one night's hotel room at each end of tour. Also included was ski tickets for initial day of lift skiing before the tour started and the "Carte Neige" rescue insurance.
Used frequent flier miles to get to Geneva. Then booked taxi transfer to Chamonix( about 1.5 hours) with a company ca...
Additionally , you paid for your own transport costs to Chamonix. Included in $1950 was one night's hotel room at each end of tour. Also included was ski tickets for initial day of lift skiing before the tour started and the "Carte Neige" rescue insurance.
Used frequent flier miles to get to Geneva. Then booked taxi transfer to Chamonix( about 1.5 hours) with a company ca...
Hey, not to be nosy, but ballpark cost? It looks like a superb time!
I made an error above when I wrote that we skied from the highest skiable point. Look at the photo and we could have skied from a little higher on the left, but there was a bit of a cornice there and we didn't particularly need to press our luck.
Sky, when we were discussing which volcanoes are skiable from the summit, you told me that the highest skiable point is always the true summit (or higher if snow is piled up above that). If Mt Jefferson...
Here's a photo from John Roper.
I got a lot of photos but the slides will be a few days. The south face looks very good... for another year. Both that and the NE Glacier we skied would make wonderful descents in the right conditions. I'd say the same about NE Face of Mt Fury. But what do you do? Go hoping for the best, then take what you can get.
I made an error above when I wrote t...
I got a lot of photos but the slides will be a few days. The south face looks very good... for another year. Both that and the NE Glacier we skied would make wonderful descents in the right conditions. I'd say the same about NE Face of Mt Fury. But what do you do? Go hoping for the best, then take what you can get.
I made an error above when I wrote t...
Wow.
Super Trip, Chris. I'm glad you had a good time.
Thanks for sharing it.
Super Trip, Chris. I'm glad you had a good time.
Thanks for sharing it.
I'n in jackson, wy, and was thinking of heading out to the sierras in late may, leaving here on or about may 26. a local ski quide just reported that the sierra will be over by then. any thoughts on the matter?
jim larue
jim larue
Zap -- Sounds like conditions are great. So, it looks like the access is good for LeMark col and surrounding areas? We are planning to start a trip down there next Friday.
Say hi to Annette and Jens for me.
Ross.
Say hi to Annette and Jens for me.
Ross.
Congratulations on your descent -- and ascent! Guess we can now close the books on Cascades ski mountaineering!
I bailed on that route as a solo ice climb about 30 years ago. Seemed like no place to be alone on that particular day. I've idled about it as a possible ski route since. Glad I can now let it rest!
Oh, yeah. Nice touch with the day trip thing!
I bailed on that route as a solo ice climb about 30 years ago. Seemed like no place to be alone on that particular day. I've idled about it as a possible ski route since. Glad I can now let it rest!
Oh, yeah. Nice touch with the day trip thing!
You make me want to quit my job and head out on the road in a camper van. Hmm...
So does K-Mart have the same camp-in-parking-lot policy as WalMart?
So does K-Mart have the same camp-in-parking-lot policy as WalMart?
Congratulations on your descent. That route has been on my list for some time. I guess I'll wait for the pictures to decide if it stays on my list. It sounds like conditions were not ideal.
The thing I like about Jack (besides the aesthetics of the peak) is that it's actually a ski trip to get there, not just a backpacking trip. I'm glad it went as a day trip, but I'd prefer camping closer to the peak so you can climb the face earlier in the day. That face catches the sun immediately in t...
The thing I like about Jack (besides the aesthetics of the peak) is that it's actually a ski trip to get there, not just a backpacking trip. I'm glad it went as a day trip, but I'd prefer camping closer to the peak so you can climb the face earlier in the day. That face catches the sun immediately in t...
Very impressive (if nuts). I've looked at that both from Devil's Park and on a map and thought it should be possible, but difficult to get to and difficult to do. But never did I consider it as a day trip.
I went up HLP today with Don Portman and it was quite a different trip than yours just a few days earlier. In fact there were completely different snow conditions than yesterday at Table Mtn. There, it was nice mush with a good base all day. Today, even though valley temperatures were not cold at all (47 at 7 AM) the snow above was frozen and stayed that way through much of the day (as forecast, but I didn't believe it). There must have been cold air moving in aloft. This is the first time...
Wow... good job, in a day no less. Crusty 50 degree slopes and 60 degree slopes above a bergshrund sound like more than I can handle so I guess I don't feel too jealous :-)
That NE side of Jack looks huge and Shuksanesque. It's a 5500ft drop down to the bottom of the face.
How did the south face look?
That NE side of Jack looks huge and Shuksanesque. It's a 5500ft drop down to the bottom of the face.
How did the south face look?
Amar, I know you have the maps so I'll let you figure the numbers if you want something quantitative. But I will say that this makes a day trip skiing Frostbite Ridge on Glacier Peak (from the pre-washout trailhead) look like a hike from the Space Needle to Queen Anne.
And I'm a big soft teddy bear, don't you know? A big, cute, cuddly, soft teddy bear. Somebody give me a hug.
And I'm a big soft teddy bear, don't you know? A big, cute, cuddly, soft teddy bear. Somebody give me a hug.
I was up there with the e-dog on the 27th also but in the evening. Yes, getting to the start of skinnable snow is a challenge. Ascending we followed the tree line up off the PCT, not enough snow to skin well and too much to hike. Solution: it's melting quickly so hiking will soon be the only option unless you can skin on shrubs and downed timber. Top portion was very nice; cream corn. Sadly, by next weekend I don't know what will be left. Muir time? Funny you went up on the logging road; w...
The exit hike saw my eyelids the heaviest they've ever been at the end of a big day. I kept thinking how it seemed quite likely I could close my eyes and stumble down the bank into the creek during the bonus 3.5 mile exit to the bridge.
What were we thinking?
Thanks for the entertaining report, Sky. I'm glad you managed to avoid the creek.
Are you saying that this was your hardest-core trip yet, or did you just get soft the last c...
Thanks, that's great news. Here's a more direct link to the MBSNF website, Schriebers Meadow is CLOSED to snowmobiles [updated 4-28-2004">.
Only open when the snow depth exceeds 24 inches at the trail head. It is the snowmobile drivers responsibility to observe this requirement. The"NO WHEELED VEHICLES BEYOND THIS POINT" signs must be obeyed regar...
Only open when the snow depth exceeds 24 inches at the trail head. It is the snowmobile drivers responsibility to observe this requirement. The"NO WHEELED VEHICLES BEYOND THIS POINT" signs must be obeyed regar...
http://www.turns-all-year.com/skilinksfr.html
According to the above: Schreiber's Meadow is now closed to Snomobiles.
Sorry the URL does not work. But it is a link that can be reached from this website in the "access links" section.
Go to "winter recreation" and "more information about snomobiling". Or take my word for it.
According to the above: Schreiber's Meadow is now closed to Snomobiles.
Sorry the URL does not work. But it is a link that can be reached from this website in the "access links" section.
Go to "winter recreation" and "more information about snomobiling". Or take my word for it.
Jeff, Thanks for the photo of the Mammoth Crest. It is a beautiful area. I just compared notes of the trip with another mature skier and we agreed that it is a long slog. But then we're 58 and 60 :)
After retiring 4 years ago, I have become irresponsible. More people should retire early while they are still healthy and "above ground". Jeff, I look forward to placing some signatures on a montain with you. Zap
After retiring 4 years ago, I have become irresponsible. More people should retire early while they are still healthy and "above ground". Jeff, I look forward to placing some signatures on a montain with you. Zap
MW8888, Thanks for the great photo of Mt. Tom. The Rock Creek road is now open to Mosquito Flats, about 10,200' A great place to start skinning.
Ron, I do have a digital camera and have also used my video camera to film the trip's ascents,descents and surrounding terrain. I just have been too lazy to learn how to post any of the photos. Is there a Cliff Notes version on how to post photos ? You have to remember that I am Polish :)
Zap
Ron, I do have a digital camera and have also used my video camera to film the trip's ascents,descents and surrounding terrain. I just have been too lazy to learn how to post any of the photos. Is there a Cliff Notes version on how to post photos ? You have to remember that I am Polish :)
Zap
Right on, nice enduro-trip! Brings back memories of trying to climb Jack. Big, broad mt. Jack is. After spending the better part of a day just getting to the base of the actual climb, we gave up neither wanting the 23 hour day nor knowing exactly where we were due to thick clouds and fog. I'll have to go back someday to bag the summit, but I'm not sure you're description inspires me to bring my skis.
Ross wrote me about doing this last week. I didn't hear back, which was probably a good thing. Rad line man. Way to go get it.
Burly......Sounds like a no jack-off adventure. Nice job!!
I've gained the NE ridge from the bowl/cirque on the eastern aspect. I used a right slanting gully which I acessed via this bowl. I followed the stream above the tiny lake down at the foot of the basin up into the first/lower eastern bowl. Then headed up the arm and found the gully. I belive you can't see the acess gully from down in the bowl, you can just see the shelf on which it's located(running on a tilt to the south). This may either help you or confuse you. Good luck.
Nice report. I happen to know the people in the Mountaineer group you saw that day. Forwarded them your post. They got a kick out of it and added that they thought you guys were pretty weird as well. They did add that the guy who opted to go without snowshoes was utterly exhausted at the end of that trip. He paid dearly for his poor judgement that day.
I was up there with some friends as well this past weekend. The trucks in question didn't appear to be blocking the road. :)
That's cool. I don't belive I've ever seen it filled in. I'm assuming you can drop in from the top of the col on a normal year? You have any info on the 2 chutes that run off the northeast ridge just off from the summit?? It looks like those are doable
I've been asked what the current crevasse conditions are like on Mt Baker, so I might as well post a photo here if it will help others. This photo shows glacier conditions above 6500 ft on the south side (upper parts of Deming, Easton, Squak Glaciers).
It appears that on the Deming, Easton, and Squak Glaciers, crevasse conditions are more like mid-June of a typical year. The route appears to be conti...
It appears that on the Deming, Easton, and Squak Glaciers, crevasse conditions are more like mid-June of a typical year. The route appears to be conti...