[TR] South Side Hood Conditions - Old Chute 12/26/2013

[harrai]

Trip: South Side Hood Conditions - Old Chute

 

Date: 12/26/2013

 

Trip Report:

Left Timberline at 4am. The snow was firm and made for bad skinning, even on the groomers--it would have been great to have some splitboard crampons. The sky was clear and temps were in the low 40s.

 

Got a great sunrise.

 

As soon as we left the resort, the snow surface turned to a variety of large ice formations and rime, and skinning was nearly impossible, so we ditched the boards there, and lost hope of any good turns on the way down.

 

The Hogsback was firm, but without ice.

 

The east aspects up high looked like the only halfway decent skiing on the south side. There was a lot of ice falling off of the Steel cliffs, and occasional pieces coming down through the Pearly Gates and the Old Chute.

 

 

I am more into touring than climbing, but of the few times I have been on the summit, this time definitely presented the spiciest summit ridge experience. Gusty winds out of the south, and a very narrow, rimed, and warming ridge made for some careful travel. Don't feel like this quite does it justice, but here you go:

 

It just so happened to be the three-month anniversary of my mom passing away after a hard fought battle with breast cancer, and the strong winds were happy to help commemorate her life.

 

Things were warming up quickly, and we got some ice dodging practice on the way down. All in all, a beautiful day, and my first "winter" summit.

 

Crossing my fingers for some snow so that I can put away the crampons and get back to touring. Hope you all are having a great holiday break.

 

-Har Rai

[ARBrandon]

Very nice! I'm hoping to get up Hood this winter. Definitely looks like careful footwork was in order on the summit ridge.

[Dchromey]

Awesome shots! Love the hot and spicy knife edge ridge!

[ScaredSilly]

Good on ya, I think it is fitting that the last thing one does with a parent is something illegal. My wife did the same with her father. Just do not tell friends you hucked yer mom off the north side of Mt. Hood they might not appreciate the (black) humor.

 

 

[luvshaker]

 

 

That looked like an amazing day on the mountain! Way to get out and enjoy a beautiful day. Thanks for including the personal touch at the end. Anyone who has lost someone can see what a special moment that was.

Edited December 30, 2013 by luvshaker

[harrai]

Thanks all. Sometimes dark humor helps keep things in perspective. Cheers everyone.

Edited December 30, 2013 by harrai

[harrai]

Thanks. I was a nice moment for sure, and I am glad we were able to make it happen even with a few challenges along the way. A big lenticular cloud had formed, hiding the summit, during the morning on Christmas day, so we were grateful that that didn't repeat during our climb.