Results 1 to 4 of 4
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Was UT, AK, now MT
    Posts
    13,494

    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.
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG-3704.jpg 
Views:	163 
Size:	481.5 KB 
ID:	327067

    Ptarmigan glacier yo-yo
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG-3702.jpg 
Views:	138 
Size:	406.2 KB 
ID:	327068

    Typical ice-crusted conditions here.
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG-3659.jpg 
Views:	133 
Size:	461.6 KB 
ID:	327069

    The "front country" or "front range". Empty, always.
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG-3669.jpg 
Views:	135 
Size:	439.0 KB 
ID:	327070

    Split Thumb and Lemon Glacier
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG-3674.jpg 
Views:	132 
Size:	455.1 KB 
ID:	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.
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG-3681.jpg 
Views:	140 
Size:	444.2 KB 
ID:	327072

    Rainforest exit.
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG-3712.jpg 
Views:	129 
Size:	419.5 KB 
ID:	327073

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Location
    cordova,AK
    Posts
    3,686
    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.
    off your knees Louie

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Was UT, AK, now MT
    Posts
    13,494
    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......

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Fresh Lake City
    Posts
    4,573
    great stuff as always

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •