TR Replies
IMO it's a better discussion to have in random tracks, separate from trip reports. I like the "no spray in TRs" policy of nwhikers.net - people who have a bone to pick that might be sparked by a given TR nonetheless take it to their equivalent of Random Tracks to start a new thread. Keeps a better vibe going in the TRs forum while still allowing robust discussion of things like the good questions raised in this thread.
author=Jim Oker link=topic=35644.msg145874#msg145874 date=1454441744]
Actually Skip, on the bottom ~.5-1K, where your path diverged from ours, I was finding that the saturated snow beneath the fresh stuff was still somewhat soft under a crunchy crust - it made for much softer landings on bumps etc. than we found above which was nice for the challenge of the maze.
Ah yes thanks Jim. I was mentioning the "bottom to top" w...
author=water link=topic=35571.msg145913#msg145913 date=1454477759]
Are you suggesting 15-20 years ago people googled "MT HOOD BACKCOUNTRY SKIING" and that is how they learned about cool spots to hit? Because I strongly disagree that people are going to find out about this places JUST LIKE YOU DID. Couldn't be more wrong about that. Many people found places by their own exploration and ingenuity, and of course, socializing and making friends and...
author=Skier of the Hood link=topic=35571.msg145908#msg145908 date=1454469567]
You just described yourself as a lurker...
no, I participate at times, like now. You cut/pasted my reply out of context of my comments....
[quote="Koda"]I enjoy sharing information with like minded individuals and would otherwise be happy to with someone here who already knows where they are going.....
...
author=Skier of the Hood]
Honestly what is the point of this site if not to post TRs and share the stoke?
There is plenty of talk about snowpack analysis, access issues/land management, gear, and partners. And TRs don't also have to spell out every last detail or even say where it is other than the state to share plentiful stoke, as someone who doesn't post any, I'll do so from my next trip to prove this.
author=Koda link=topic=35571.msg145802#msg145802 date=1454346992]
...I stopped posting trip reports...
...I’m not giving up info to the masses who lurk here and there for an easy in...
You just described yourself as a lurker...
author=rong link=topic=35571.msg145859#msg145859 date=1454423673]
A good fisherman doesn't reveal his/her favorite fishing holes. Same has t...
I'm a little slow on the pics - windows 10 kindly installed itself on my computer w/o the drivers for my card reader....
Well, I've definitely learned my lesson. I've been cherry picking beta from these forums for a long time, but trying to give back has clearly gone over like a lead balloon. I guess my secrets are safe with me ;D
I was just talking to a coworker about doing this between the 14-16th. I'm convinced. Thanks for the report!
Good beta, glad things are filling in up there.
The solitude would have been ruined by the occasional joyous vocal outburst had I joined you on this trip.
The solitude would have been ruined by the occasional joyous vocal outburst had I joined you on this trip.
I think most all of us will agree that one of the main reasons to get into backcountry skiing is to get away from the crowds, that in itself is an expectation of some level of solitude. Otherwise, there is no reason to spend 3x the money on specialized gear and training and even risk of life to leave the resort.
I agree this isn’t a new debate but I side with those that feel trip reports do add to the crowds in the backcountry. The mere fact that this debate resurfaces annually...
I agree this isn’t a new debate but I side with those that feel trip reports do add to the crowds in the backcountry. The mere fact that this debate resurfaces annually...
I don't think it is difficult to grasp the differences between climbing Mt Hood and backcountry skiing the few areas around the mountain. Even climbing a route other than the standard south route will reward you with solitude.
no, Mt. Fuji has that crown.
Nobody is lamenting hordes at the hogsback, to my knowledge that's expected on a nice weekend day.
few of the TR's here that people wish to shhh about are in any proximity to where there would be climber traffic.
Nobody is lamenting hordes at the hogsback, to my knowledge that's expected on a nice weekend day.
few of the TR's here that people wish to shhh about are in any proximity to where there would be climber traffic.
Isn't Mt. Hood THE most climbed mountain in the world? It doesn't jive with expecting nor finding solitude.
It does make me sad to see these Mt Hood TR's pop up. The area is definitely experiencing some growing pains and with the increased popularity of the sport and the relatively small area that we have at our disposal, I don't think it's going to get much better. The irony of it is, all of us most likely started ski touring to experience the solitude that the backcountry has to offer, but then we announce on these forums and social media of our experiences.
One of my favor...
One of my favor...
author=dfhkvs link=topic=35571.msg145868#msg145868 date=1454432645]
Cut out 'skiing' and insert 'rock climbing' and this entire discussion (guidebooks, posting beta, etc.) happened 15 years ago.
15 years ago?! Uh, I don't think so. The crags get busier with each passing year.
Actually Skip, on the bottom ~.5-1K, where your path diverged from ours, I was finding that the saturated snow beneath the fresh stuff was still somewhat soft under a crunchy crust - it made for much softer landings on bumps etc. than we found above which was nice for the challenge of the maze.
author=dfhkvs link=topic=35571.msg145868#msg145868 date=1454432645]
Cut out 'skiing' and insert 'rock climbing' and this entire discussion (guidebooks, posting beta, etc.) happened 15 years ago.
well it is groundhog day after all...
The base under the fresh snow was "glacier-like" pretty much bottom to top. Rain saturated but now a frozen brick.
Cut out 'skiing' and insert 'rock climbing' and this entire discussion (guidebooks, posting beta, etc.) happened 15 years ago.
One of the main reasons this forum is useful / interesting is the sharing of conditions, routes, etc.
Please carry on.
One of the main reasons this forum is useful / interesting is the sharing of conditions, routes, etc.
Please carry on.
Where did you find that picture of me! ;D
I remember looking up at you ;D We traversed out of our first lap to avoid the gully and make haste getting back up. I was expecting to have to hustle to stay ahead of everyone on such a beautiful Sunday, but by the second lap it was obvious there was no one else there and so we continued to bottom each time. Not every run works out perfectly... here's a better one from the same day https://youtu.be/xsLkpRV6H8I Approve?
The response to this trip report has been staggeringly disappointing. You guys sound like so much fun to ski with.
Newton does require additional caution with all the traffic, much like a resort minus the AVY control work. Nice work Nexus digging the pit on a marginal day. Not being there my comments are only questions. The CT13 on the Q3 older wind slab at 30cm might give me a little concern. I have seen variable bed surfaces similar to your Q3 only to find a few feet away a much lower value. The wind up there has a tendency to create pockets of instability that can trigger and...
A good fisherman doesn't reveal his/her favorite fishing holes. Same has to apply to BC skiing now days as the population growth, and growth in general of the BC crowd are congesting many of our older favorite areas.
The Mt Hood area has very limited terrain within an hours tour from the trailhead. Longer tours out are not as populated, but if the goal is a short tour and solitude the chances are slim. I can remember when a weekend day on the newton face...
The Mt Hood area has very limited terrain within an hours tour from the trailhead. Longer tours out are not as populated, but if the goal is a short tour and solitude the chances are slim. I can remember when a weekend day on the newton face...
I like those 2 photos in the 1st post; quintessential Snotqualime Pass.
The next batch are quintessential too, just the murk featuring!
The next batch are quintessential too, just the murk featuring!
That thar is a useful report, many thanks.
Definitely not the place to go if you want to avoid Bozos.
Overheard there on Saturday: "Yeah man, the best thing about this place is that it's pretty much always safe".
Not 20 minutes later a solo skier center-punched the wind loaded side of the main bowl.
The best part is that everyone starts to watch you if it looks like you know what you're doing, and they copy you. God forbid that you dig a pit. If you dig and then ski, it's like...
Overheard there on Saturday: "Yeah man, the best thing about this place is that it's pretty much always safe".
Not 20 minutes later a solo skier center-punched the wind loaded side of the main bowl.
The best part is that everyone starts to watch you if it looks like you know what you're doing, and they copy you. God forbid that you dig a pit. If you dig and then ski, it's like...
I tend to avoid Newton creek on the weekends due to the amount of people touring in that area. It seems to always be a circus up there on the weekends. I had a group of guys attempt to drop cornice bombs on top my partner and I as we were skinning up. We gave them the courtesy of skinning up to the top before dropping into our line. Newton isn't too bad during the midweek when you're sharing the entire ridge with less than 10 people
I was in one of the other groups that skied White River yesterday. I assume you were in the group of two snowboarders?
I'm asking this out of curiosity. Why were you only going a short distance down then traversing across the slope? At one point one person in the group made a few turns then cut across the slope directly below me. I don't think I saw either snowboarder make a complete fall line descent.
And please don't take this as an attack. I'm truly...
I'm asking this out of curiosity. Why were you only going a short distance down then traversing across the slope? At one point one person in the group made a few turns then cut across the slope directly below me. I don't think I saw either snowboarder make a complete fall line descent.
And please don't take this as an attack. I'm truly...
Me about to take the leap during our exit. As predicted, my boot sunk in an extra foot as I planted for takeoff which sent me thudding against the snow and rocks of the opposite bank. I stayed dry, but a standing leap would have been much wiser.
author=Koda link=topic=35632.msg145825#msg145825 date=1454363707]
I think most people don’t want to ski down out of the runout zone to skin back up, but then if you do your still exposed to skiers coming down in the trees. There really isn’t a good way back to the top.
Agreed, there's no 100% safe skin track route in Newton which makes safe(r) travel protocol even more important. Spacing out your party by 150 ft. or so will...
I think most people don’t want to ski down out of the runout zone to skin back up, but then if you do your still exposed to skiers coming down in the trees. There really isn’t a good way back to the top.
author=butteredstuffs link=topic=35632.msg145817#msg145817 date=1454360542]
Nice picture!
I'll never understand why Newton is SO popular. The turns are good, but IMHO it's a terrible slog to get there only the find the place carved up. I've also witnessed some shady avy protocol there... maybe it's because it's so busy that people don't take the risks seriously.
I think the proximity t...
yeah, it’s just my observations as a weekend warrior... Im not fortunate enough to get out midweek. I can’t say the crowding is because of trip reports or simply an increase in popularity of the sport, probably the latter as all outdoor activities are getting crowded but then I suspect the newbies find it easier to use Google than go out and buy an actual book. These forums are fun and a great way to make new friends but then it puts a lot of information out there for all.
It's all good. I totally share your frustration with how crowded the whole mountain has gotten in the past few years. I tour up at Stevens Pass and Mt Baker a lot too, and it's CRAZY how many people are out in the backcountry now. Really though, it's just a weekend problem... when I'm lucky enough to get up for midweek powder I'm almost always breaking trail all day.
Still good snow in the area today. Some thin crust was present in one or two small spots, but mostly we just found stable powder.
author=butteredstuffs link=topic=35571.msg145816#msg145816 date=1454360152]
How do you think I found out about it?
interesting, I missed that entry your correct.