Ryan Rickerts Posted February 19, 2015 Posted February 19, 2015 Hello, friends! I have fairly ambitious plans to access Hinkhouse Peak (7500') this weekend over 48 hours in a relatively unconventional way. This nicely angled peak with long snowfields is opposite Liberty Bell on the same ridge as Cutthroat Peak, accessed from Hwy 20 at Washington Pass. My plan is to car camp at Diablo Lake this Friday night, ride with ski & camping gear using a BOB trailer as far as possible (estimating 25 miles and 3000' of climbing) if no lanes have been cut yet. The remaining 10 miles/2000' to Washington Pass would be skinned then a base camp built. I have been eyeing the snow fields from the more popular ski faces near the Early Winter Spires for too many years (or returning from climbing trips in Mazama when it's too melted out to access due to cliffs). It has an appealing looking north face which may get snow this week and remain preserved through the weekend. I have TTS telemark gear which uses a Dynafit boot, so crampons could be added if needed. I have an axe and whippet. I fear the coverage will not be adequate by the time the highway opens, and my opportunities are otherwise limited due to a weekend class starting March 7th. I need to be back by Sunday night or at least show up to work on Monday! The forecast for the weekend is solid (as they have been all winter, sadly) and the SnoTel data at nearby Hart's Pass (6,500') is 75". Swamp Creek at 3,930' is at 31". The highway department has reported a landslide which they have already cleared but are now securing the slope above. They don't work on the weekends. More details here on my Facebook profile (I made the post public). Thanks for looking! ~RyanR> Peak description on OSAT page South face in the distance which is the approach and descent. Image from OSAT. [img:center]http://www.osat.org/Resources/Pictures/Hinkhouse%20Peak%20in%20Early%20Spring.jpg[/img] North facing glades which are an objective, also. Image from OSAT. [img:center]http://www.osat.org/Resources/Pictures/West%20Face.jpg[/img] Quote
Good2Go Posted February 19, 2015 Posted February 19, 2015 Sounds like an adventure! I've been out there several times this season on my snomo. Not sure when you'll hit continuous snow coming in from the west, but you'll be skinning past miles of good skiing options before you make it to the spires. There is no plowing on Hwy 20 yet and that peak will still have snow when it opens. Believe it or not, that area has an average snowpack right now. Here's a pic from a week ago: Quote
Ryan Rickerts Posted February 19, 2015 Author Posted February 19, 2015 Thanks, Good2Go! I got burned on my last spring skiing attempt last year by trying something on the west side (I think Beebe Creek) which was too low and socked in. My friends got SilverStar the next day which was bluebird while I had to return to the west side for family obligations (aka Mother's Day), so I'm on a vengeance tour! My opportunities are limited, and I just trust the east side more. I'm glad you have access and report average conditions! I'm willing to walk over there and see it myself! I have a sled myself but it will do me no good from the west side at this point, I believe! Quote
fourteenfour Posted February 23, 2015 Posted February 23, 2015 Sounds like a superb trip! Were you able to make it out there? Quote
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