armin Posted April 17, 2007 Posted April 17, 2007 Trip: Colchuck Peak - North Buttress Couloir Date: 4/15/2007 Trip Report: Claire, Claudius and I climbed Colchuck Peak via the North Buttress Couloir and skied down the standard glacier route. We walked and skinned to Colchuck lake Saturday, the snow on the trail melting fast. With the gate still locked, we found the road completely snow free, albeit blocked by a mudslide and a few deadfalls. We were able to skin from trailhead Saturday, but large patches of snow were missing on the trail Sunday afternoon. The lake was still frozen, but the ice is getting thin in places. As we crossed it Saturday afternoon, large patches were not so solid any more. The route was in very good condition; all snow with a few meters of ice and a short rock scramble to below the summit block. We believe this was the first ascent of the North Buttress couloir by an All German team. on the trail above colchuck lake claudius in the lead claire following claire scoping out the west face looking down from the summit mount stuart skiing down (photo by tony martin) it is important to keep your feet dry and hands warm (photo by cory groom) back at the car Gear Notes: skis, crampons, ice axe Approach Notes: 3.5 miles road, 5 miles trail to lake Quote
Chad_A Posted April 17, 2007 Posted April 17, 2007 Nice pics! Love the Mt. Stuart shot; good to see it. Thanks for posting the TR Quote
Alex Posted April 17, 2007 Posted April 17, 2007 We believe this was the first ascent of the North Buttress couloir by an All German team. Sorry, its been done. Quote
rob Posted April 17, 2007 Posted April 17, 2007 [it is important to keep your feet dry and hands warm (photo by cory groom) Looks like you're getting a little frisky with that hand You didn't find a green rag on the trail by any chance, did you? Quote
sirwoofalot Posted April 17, 2007 Posted April 17, 2007 I am inspired! Great job! And thank you for the photos. Quote
PeterC Posted April 18, 2007 Posted April 18, 2007 Is the road section mostly ridable on a bike at this point? Does anyone know when the gate will open this year? Thanks Quote
TrogdortheBurninator Posted April 18, 2007 Posted April 18, 2007 The road is rideable to within maybe 1/2 mile of the TH with only a few short mandatory walking stretches. I'd imagine it will be mostly clear very soon. They still havent touched the landslide yet, so it could be a while before they get the gate open. Quote
olyclimber Posted April 18, 2007 Posted April 18, 2007 (photo by cory groom) Cory! If you're out there, I'd love to hear from you. PM or call me. /porter Quote
edmona Posted April 18, 2007 Posted April 18, 2007 I believe this is the route several friends and I did the first winter ascent of, back in the mid 70's. It was a low snow winter and a bit more sketchy but we weren't carrying skis either. Looks like you had a good day. Skip Edmonds Quote
ryanl Posted April 19, 2007 Posted April 19, 2007 My brother and I were wondering about your accent- thought it was French canadian! Guess we were a bit off. Nice to meet you all, and thanks again for the photo. Quote
DirtyHarry Posted April 22, 2007 Posted April 22, 2007 What sort of binders are you guys runnin' there. Are those Silvrettas? Quote
claudius Posted April 23, 2007 Posted April 23, 2007 hi ryanl, hope your mum liked the pic. this weekend the approach with running shoes was much nicer... and yes, these are silveretta 400s. my dad bought them in the '80s. nothing of that wimpy lightweight stuff. i love the cascades c Quote
DirtyHarry Posted April 23, 2007 Posted April 23, 2007 i love the cascades c Even with no telepheriques? Quote
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