Cairn Peak - Ptarmigan Glacier - Rare sunny pow day in AK spring

Fourth attempt to ski Cairn Couloir, fourth failure. Damn outflow winds off the icefield always load this thing up with wind loading. Got some new snow last week, and the damn wind loading was awful with a lot of spontaneous slides on similar aspects. Couldn't talk ourselves into it. Tried another couloir entry lower on the mountain, same issue. Opted to yo-yo laps on nice May powder on the Ptarmigan glacier and on the way out. Still winter up high after a huge winter.

Cairn Couloir, skied down a bit, then hiked back up an out.
Attachment 327067

Ptarmigan glacier yo-yo
Attachment 327068

Typical ice-crusted conditions here.
Attachment 327069

The "front country" or "front range". Empty, always.
Attachment 327070

Split Thumb and Lemon Glacier
Attachment 327071

First several turns into the couloir. Ugghhhh, would have been perfect snow, but too dangerous. At my age, I turn around and hike out. 15 years ago I probably would have just skied it.
Attachment 327072

Rainforest exit.
Attachment 327073

that is a nice line for right in town. Do you start from the Home Depot? looks like you have a crew down there. Yellow boots seem popular. Thanks for posting. flying out last Saturday I was reminded how much is around Juneau. Up here the game is loaded up west faces. Comes in warm leaves cold get on them. Windows are usually short. We are not as affected by out flow winds here. But having spent time in Valdez I understand the problem. Glad you and your family are feeling better and hope you get some more days this spring.

Start from right by the hospital. Home Depot start is Lemon Creek which is a fucking death slog......Blackerby Ridge goes pretty quick. About 3.5hrs to summit.

Outflow winds screw everything up from Taku Inlet to about Cairn Peak......

great stuff as always