WillK Posted March 21, 2009 Posted March 21, 2009 Trip: Hood - Leutholds Couloir Date: 3/12/2009 Trip Report: A bit late on the report...But, for those interested in a fine alternative to the crowds on SS of Hood...Last Thursday, 3/12, 3 of us from Corvallis climbed Leutholds. Left T-Line at 2:45, summit at 12:15, back to the car at 3:15 (12.5 hrs RT). Great snow conditions up the Palmer and across to Illumination Saddle. Bright, full moon. Easy to drop down onto the Reid, then not so easy traversing waist deep snow over to Yocum. Very slow going. Fairly tiring. The deep snow continued until almost to the Hourglass, where we finally found firm snow/some ice. Very little icefall - we climbed fairly early and it was cold. Queen's Chair was great - fine views/no wind/first direct sunlight. Perfect snow up to the summit ridge - no problem traversing to the true summit. Watch for north side cornices. Snow was a bit soft coming down the Old Chute - went straight to Hot Rocks, up to the Hogsback, and then down to the Palmer. In all, a great route. Saw nobody until we got back to the Miracle Mile on the descent. Start early, climb when it is cold. Gear Notes: Standard glacier gear/rope + pickets (which we didn't use). 2nd tool very optional. The couloir itself was not particularly steep or icy. Wear a helmet. Approach Notes: Boring slog up Palmer. Typical wind blown fare to Illumination Saddle. Then deep snow to the couloir. Don't waste your time with snowshoes. Quote
Frikadeller Posted March 22, 2009 Posted March 22, 2009 That's totally rad... How's the top out on queens chair these days? Is it in good shape? Quote
WillK Posted March 22, 2009 Author Posted March 22, 2009 The ramp up to the Queen's Chair was nice and firm. The chair itself was a great place to relax, enjoy the warming sun, and gear up for the final push. We found perfect snow conditions from the QC up to and across the summit ridge. Go get it. Quote
LostCamKenny Posted March 22, 2009 Posted March 22, 2009 Looks like a postholing nightmare up the couloir. Any wind climbing up the lift line? Quote
Alewarrior Posted March 30, 2009 Posted March 30, 2009 Nice pict. I am planning to do leth. soon here. Love the exposure on the edge to the summit. Quote
iceaxe23 Posted March 31, 2009 Posted March 31, 2009 was one of the 3 my friend Kevin S? He climbed it around the same time with two others. He called to rub it in..lol Quote
WillK Posted April 1, 2009 Author Posted April 1, 2009 We climbed with Kevin Skilling from Corvallis High. You should come along on the next trip... Quote
iceaxe23 Posted April 2, 2009 Posted April 2, 2009 We climbed with Kevin Skilling from Corvallis High. You should come along on the next trip... yea I have to try and get out there soon. When are you all going again? Quote
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