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alpine et

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Posts posted by alpine et

  1. I know as of end of April that the road was still closed due to snow

     

    http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recarea/?recid=72029

     

    but was curious when this road typically opens? Or when those familiar with the area think it might open this year? Seems the melt is on early this year...

     

    the closest SNOTEL site seems to be this one at Potato Hill

     

    http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/nwcc/site?sitenum=702&state=wa

     

    which is still showing about 3'.

     

    Hoping this might clear up by mid-June... will watch that snotel site, but curious if any locals had good info?

     

    thanks

    Erik

  2. I've never used a tag line, but I thought it was usually set up to always pull the tag line. That way the increased friction that is likely to be found on the thicker strand of your climbing rope won't tend to pull the knot down... it'll get blocked by moving by the anchor (or ice). I guess the only advantage to this system is that you immediately start getting climbing rope back when you pull.... so if anything were to get stuck, you're not left with just tag line?

  3. discussion on extending the rappel got me googling around for some ideas, and this setup from the petzl website seems pretty slick... a hard connection and an intermediate point for the device with one (I'd bet double?) sling.

    rappel_03.gif

     

    but, to stay a bit on topic, sweet pics guys. really dig seeing that side of the mountain in the early morning light.

  4. Anyone been around Baker Lake recently? Looking at driving up NF-1152 up towards Shannon Ridge. I realize its not gonna be driveable anywhere near the trailhead, but I was hoping to get an idea of how long the slog would be. If you'd like to take some of the adventure out of it for us - feel free!

     

    most recent info here, which is mostly useless at this point...

     

    thanks

     

  5. Liberty bell is a classic. On the weekends it'll be crowded. On weekdays you still are likely to see other people if weather is good.

     

    You could do a route on Shuksan as a closer alternative.

     

    If rock is sounding good, though, also consider Burgundy Spire... it has a 5.8 route up it. Longer approach than Liberty Bell, but more interesting climbing and less crowded. Could do the linkup with Pisano Pinnacle to Burgundy Spire if you're efficient...

     

     

    When I climbed the N. Ridge we didn't set any speed records for sure, but were bummed to not have planned to be able to crash at camp after the climb. Walking out in the dark after the early start was rough...

  6. Pictures and descriptions here. Quick list below:

     

     

    Atomic Janak skis 163 (111-99-121) with Naxo NX21 bindings. I'll throw in skins too: $275

     

    Patagonia Cragmaster approach shoes (size Mens 8) : $50

     

    Osprey Stratos 40L day pack: $30

     

    Osprey Argon 85L backpack: $85

     

    Black Diamond leather gloves: $30

     

    Vasque mountaineering boots: $40

     

    Grivel v-thread tool: $10

     

     

  7. Hyak or one of the other areas on the south side of I90.

     

     

     

    Does anyone have suggestions for a good place to get acquainted with and condition for skinning? Something like Mt Si but for skiing instead of hiking. Preferably somewhere that is reasonably safe to go solo, snow conditions permitting.

  8. FWIW this is a shot of the basin and slide area on Sunday. Two parties of two near the notch, and two starting down below. Suspiciously human sized tree in between.

     

    When I topped out into the basin I skinned up and over a low angle super stiff windslab (loaded up from a northerly winds). Couldn't even get my ski edge into the thing... would have thought it was just scoured to old crust if it weren't for the deep hollow sound. Glad it was on like 10 degree slope...

     

    [img:left]https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1502522_10105793667430914_815138452_n.jpg[/img]

  9. I'm betting with the good weather, NF Chair Peak is gonna be a mad house this weekend.

     

    Sunday wasn't too crazy. We started off from the parking lot at 730ish on skis, passed pretty quickly by some snow shoers. Skiing was certainly slower until at least Source Lake... By the time we popped up on the ridge we had opted to enjoy a mellow day, ski the good snow we passed by and forgo the climb. There was certainly one party of two on the route, with perhaps a second one bailing at the top of the ice (?) not too crowded!

  10. No my calendar isn't broken. But... let's say it's October and you're looking to plan a trip to do some mountaineering... mostly beginner to intermediate glacier climbs. Short moderate ice steps doable. Alpine rock nearby would be cool too, perhaps just sunny rock at lower elevations or some trekking in the area.

     

    Where would you go? Looking to make a month of it from mid-Sept to mid-October..... Thinking of New Zealand / Thailand combination possibly. Any thoughts are much appreciated!

  11. I've got a BD Ascender. I thought I was going to climb aid. I'm scared enough climbing 5.6 splitter cracks and really hope I won't revert any further and need an ascender to free anything anytime soon.

     

    I messed around with it and ascended a few fixed ropes, and it hasn't been dropped. In great shape.

     

    $40.

     

    Can meet in Ballard or downtown during the weekdays.

     

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