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Thanks to @wbk for herding the cats and @JasonGfor the professional pictures (the sponsors will be proud!). And the rest of the crew for putting up with me (the slow old dude).

Trip: Asulkan Hut Ski Week - Youngs Peak, Sapphire col, Ravens, Forever Young, 7 steps to Paradise Trip Date: 03/15/2023 Trip Report: It is better to be lucky than good, and last week we were definitely lucky up at the Asulkan Hut. Much thanks to @wbk for organizing the madness and bringing such a strong crew to the trip, including @therunningdogand @Trent. I felt a bit old and weak with the crew assembled, but that was entirely a good thing. Pretty inspiring to watch the younger guns charge hard all week! We skied in just before a significant storm and warm up, content to lap the trees below the hut on our first full day in. As the week went on, the weather and stability improved significantly, allowing us to ski classic lines like the Seven Steps to Paradise, Forever Young, The Ravens, and Dome Headwall. Seven steps, in particular, the group skied many, many times. So much good terrain up there, it is quite impressive! I think that there are few huts that can compete, even those that you fly into. I caught myself marveling nearly every day at our good fortune, but I suspect that it is often pretty good up there. I had stayed away from Rogers Pass for many years, scared of the terrain and avalanche paths. Maybe this was warranted, maybe I was too timid. Regardless, this trip was proof that mortals can indeed safely ski up there- if you take it easy. Just remember, this isn't a coastal snowpack! Gear Notes: skis, avy gear....brought ropes and such and never used Approach Notes: Asulkan valley, go up!

21 March 2023 -> the relatively unknown white pass ice was barely holding on. We decided not to climb on 22 March given the temps were too high too long. Observable horizontal fractures (3x) with high overnight temps. We lowered in off the tree, with a deadman picket on the snow bank out left to keep the rope from rubbing in the snow, or on the rock. Lowering directly off the tree will surely cut your rope. Set some screws right to keep away from the fractures. 70m rope touches ground. WI3 start to WI4+. Screws pulled out near end of day, no direct solar. Wind sustained 15 gust 25 from up the creek. WHERE: Clear Creek Cirque. Aka Clear Creek Falls overlook. Park at dog lake, walk east on hwy to the overlook parking (filled in by plow), jump the guard rail and walk down the hill and east to the top of the falls. Brutal 10min approach. With @sfuji Mid February probably best time to go for either the falls left or falls right. The rock is volcano choss / shale. Considered doing some mixed there but the ice was out, and the rock is always out. IMG_7859.HEIC

Given the nature of that route I wouldn't be superised if it wasn't a slide and just spindrift that took them down. Its sad to see how many people jumped on the "they had no avy gear or knowledge!!" People die in the mountains and so many of the newer backcountry users seem to think that if you follow the rules your gunna be safe. Shit is always going to happen to the unlucky. Life is a risky game with only one outcome in the end... My condolences as well...