Getting Away With It on Twin

 

On Saturday 3/27/21 I had an excellent day linking a pair of lines on Twin: the E Face, which I had rode the previous year, and the NW Couloir, which was new to me. 

Based on the day's conditions, this was a daring day of backcountry skiing. I've learned a lot from this outing and have since dialed it back. Much of the details about our decision-making are relayed in this observation I submitted to UAC. For the sake of brevity, I will refrain from reiterating what I've already stated in that observation. Read that if you want some more context. 

Anyway... Early in the tour we noticed wind-loading on the E Face from the W-SW while skinning up the drainage. I expressed concerns, and my partner and I agreed that we would continue to reassess the situation as we neared Twin.

Under the E Face we deliberated between booting the face directly or ascending via the south ridge. I suggested booting the E Face because it was fast and I had done so last season. This was the 'Familiarity' in FACETS in motion. Just because I had booted the E Face without hiccup last season does not mean that it would be good to go on this day. This was poor judgment on my behalf and I am glad we did not choose this option. 

Photo by Lane

As we gained Twin's south ridge, we noticed a wind slab crown about 10-15' wide and 8-10" deep. We booted the bed surface, gained the ridge, and got into ridgeline mode. 

The first thing we noticed on the South Ridge was a wind slab avalanche on the SW bowl below the party before us' (Party #1) bootpack. It didn't seem very big, but little did we know it caught and carried a member of Party #1. Again, we followed in the footsteps of Party #1 and continued on toward the summit.

While on the summit crest, we watched Party #1 ski the E Face and kick off multiple small wind slabs. They successfully descended the line without getting knocked off of their feet. Since we had planned to ski the E Face, we took this is a good sign, but I think FACETS was at play again in the form of 'Acceptance,' 'Commitment or Consistency,' and 'Social Proof.' 

At the top of the E Face, each of us made hard ski cuts and kicked off a small pocket of windslab apiece. At this point, we felt that we had properly flushed our line, but continued to ski very conservatively and in short pitches. The descent was a sharky base-scraping mess, and the only quality turns were found on the finishing apron. 

A sharky E Face

Photo by Lane

At this point, we were motivated to get on top of Twin again and check out the elusive NW Couloir. There was no more wind at this point, so I thought that any potential damage had already been done. 

We decided to ski the NW Couloir from Twin's west summit. The walk-ski mode mechanism on my Sportivas froze (not the first time this happened) and we spent a bit longer than I would have liked on top of the summit warming them up.

I traversed across the entrance to the NW Couloir and kicked off a wide but shallow wind slab, which flushed down into the couloir. This would be the last wind slab we would kick off that day.

Contemplating the NW Couloir

Lane in the NW couloir's narrower section

Exceptionally fine snow quality 

photo by Lane

Our original plan was to boot out of the north fork of Deaf Smith and finish the day on Stairs Gulch. With the day's heat and dicey conditions, we decided against this and took our chances in the mysterious north fork of Deaf Smith.

About as aesthetic as it gets. The NW Couloir is right up there with the greats

Looking down the N Fork of Deaf Smith and into Salt Lake Valley 

Wet loose turned into dense early spring snow turned into schmoo turned into heavy isothermic mush. It wasn't before long until the dry patches of slide alder outnumbered the snow, and we were off our skis negotiating waterfalls and chossy quartzite ledges. The N Fork of Deaf Smith is a doozy. 

Luckily, my partner practically lives at the base of Deaf Smith, and he received some local beta on how to avoid trespassing at the canyon mouth.

After an elapsed 11 hours on the go, we were back at my partner's house waiting for Libby to shuttle us back to our cars at the S-Curves in BCC.

Thoughts:

- We made A LOT of decisions this day, and I think we got away with some of them. Particularly, we were lucky to arrive at the south ridge after Party #1. If we arrived first, I think we would have gone forward with the bootpack up the ridge. In that case we might have been the group to trigger the wind slab and the consequences could have been much worse for us. It's so hard to say whether this would be the case, which brings me to my next point...

- The attitude I employed on this day is inconsistent with the attitude that I would like to employ every time I go out into consequential avalanche terrain. I like to think that my overall strategy in the mountains leans toward conservative decision-making with an eye on the long game rather than the pursuit of short-term rewards. (This is a rough interpretation of a chart I saw in 'Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain,' but bear with me) If we travel in avalanche terrain every day for 100 days, we need to make the right decisions 99.99% of the time if we want to survive a lifetime of skiing in avalanche terrain. I am certain that I lack both the knowledge or experience to make the right decision 99.99% of the time, and thus I must turn around or choose safer alternatives when faced with uncertainty. The odds aren't in my favor otherwise. 

- E Face ALPTRUTH: Avalanches? Yes; Loading? Yes, wind; Path? Yep; Terrain Trap? Yes; Rating? Low; Unstable Snow? Yes; Thawing? No. Five of the factors were present, so the odds were not in our favor here. 

- NW Couloir ALPTRUTH: Avalanches? None observed; Loading? Yes, at the top; Path? Yep; Terrain Trap? Yes; Rating? Low; Unstable Snow? Yes at the top, no lower in the couloir; Thawing? No. This one is less clear cut. It seems we were right on the cusp. In any event, decisions made on the cusp are not the ones that increase your chances of surviving in the backcountry. 

- I think we were both motivated for a big day on Twin, and that certainly affected our decision-making. It would have taken more than just some shallow wind slabs to get us to turn around. But like Noah Howell said, high motivation gets parties in trouble. Indeed, a shallow wind slab carried someone off of their feet that day, so conditions were not as 'manageable' as we perceived.

Box Elder Peak-NW Couloir

 

On Saturday, 4/10/21 I rode the NW Couloir of Box Elder Peak. Leading up to the weekend, I obsessed over weather data and the forecast. There were so many question marks and variables involved that deciding on an objective was rather challenging. For instance, a recent storm delivering up to 16" in the Cottonwoods earlier in the week reduced the chances of a nice corn cycle to develop. I confirmed this during a quick tour up Scottie's the Thursday before, where low-mid elevation N/NE facing was locked up and cruddy. (The type of conditions that make you feel like an even worse snowboarder than you actually are) 

After sustained high pressure and a forecasted high of 70 in the valley, I finally settled on Box Elder's NW Couloir. Aside from being in the revered Chuting Gallery (which admittedly adds value to any descent in the Wasatch), the line's position seemed reasonable for the conditions at hand. Hard refreezes overnight, high valley temps, and lots of wind from the SW. I reasoned that the snow in the NW aspect at that elevation would be firm but soft enough for edging in with confidence, and that if I arrived a bit too late it may soften up with afternoon heat. It turns out I was more or less right, although I think we could've waited it out at the top a bit for even better riding conditions. Alas, this was a fun descent and I would say an even more fun approach/egress based on the delightful spring weather and a pleasantly dry trail. 

The day started at around 7:45 at the Dry Creek Trailhead just outside of Alpine. The trail walking went fast and we cached our running shoes 2.5 miles. Soon after we were skinning beneath Box Elder's NW Basin with the line in our sights, as well as the south faces of Lone, White Baldy, the Pfieff, Chipman, Bighorn, and the rest of the peaks along that ridge line to our north. 

The White Baldy complex from the south

The Pfieff and Airplane Peak from the south

Chipman, Bighorn, and Lone from the South

We deliberated a bit on Box Elder's lower NW flanks, deciding whether to take the longer but perhaps more tolerable NE ridge to the summit, or go for the more direct NW ridge with the Shotgun Chutes skinner's left. We chose the more direct NW ridge, which was quite the pain in the ass. Suffice to say ski crampons have officially moved up several notches in my late season ski wishlist. Based on the conditions, I think it would have been faster to skin up the NE ridge and take advantage of the snow softening up on those aspects. Even still it wasn't a huge setback-- just annoying. 

After emerging from the trees the skinning improved temporarily, but Box Elder's N ridge was jacked by the wind, so skinning continued to prove challenging. After a while I gave up and threw my aluminum crampons on. I'm sure it was slower than skinning with ski crampons, but it got the job done. 

While working our way to the summit, we eyed a line off of Box Elder's NE aspect. It looked like a mighty fine steep bowl funneling down into a chute and into a cliff band. The snow felt good and soft on this aspect but we both knew nothing about this descent and whether it even went. It'd be fun to scope from the bottom and potentially give this a go on a different day. 

Box Elder's wind jacked N ridge

We were at the top in around 4:30. I'm not sure I could reach the summit much faster than that— especially this time of year with firmer conditions— but who knows. While transitioning I made a blunder and forgot to jam my bindings into the snow. One of them went for a twenty foot ride off of the summit. Just as it sped further down and potentially into the ether, I made a diving catch (crampons on) and saved it. Dumb, dumb, dumb. Lesson learned: nothing comes out of the pack on a summit unless it's firmly planted in the snow. If I lost that binding, managing the descent may have been all but impossible. I do carry a passel of Voile straps, so maybe there could've been some solution. I shudder to think of what that would've looked like though. 

Excellent views off of the summit. Note the metamorphosed striated cliff band in the center of the frame.

Looking NE above Box Elder's scoured summit

Looking down into the "couloir" proper

The descent off of the summit required some negotiating through rocks and small rock bands. I chose skier's right, and Scott chose the more aggressive skier's left. Good on him-- he picked his way through the tricky sections with aplomb. I'm just happy to be here!

Scott working his way off of Box Elder's summit, with Happy Valley below

The first turn (especially the first heelside turn if you're a snowboarder) is always a doozy and this one was no exception. Luckily, conditions up high were relatively soft albeit a bit punchy. Once below the upper boney section, I was able to open it up and enjoy turns on marginal snow. Scott spotted a narrow little couloir toward the bottom of the descent and styled it. 

Ticky tacky jump turns through a hairy section

Airplane wings through the crux

Emerging unscathed

This was my first big descent in marginal conditions with my Atomic Backland Pros. The boot felt good for most of the day but really hurt my heel (currently dealing with nasty Achilles inflammation) on the descent. Back to the drawing board (or bootfitter?)!

The day warming up with much of the descent behind us

I'm the speck on the bottom right third of the frame. Box Elder's NW basin is stunning

We made soft, slushy fall-line turns down a gully that led us right back to our running shoes. Ideal. We transitioned out of ski mode and into hike mode about 6 hours in. Historically this has been the part of a spring mission where I'm cooked and absolutely ready to be done with the day. Thankfully my fitness is lining up nicely and I was able to enjoy the leisurely hike down Dry Creek in the warm weather. This being my first time skiing in the Happy Valley, I was charmed to hear one local at the trailhead say, "Holy Guacamole!" when we told him that we did in fact go skiing today. We were back to the truck in 7 hours. 

Thoughts:

- The NW Couloir of Box Elder is not much of a "couloir" so to speak since it lacks the tight, walled-in nature that I typically associate with couloirs. I would call it more of a face or a bowl. Regardless, its position is excellent and the boney/cliffy skiing off of the summit makes it engaging enough to feel like there are some consequences involved. 

- The excitement for spring skiing missions is at an all-time high right now. Typically I start to think about rock climbing and mountain running around this time, but things seem different this year. Maybe it was the rampant instability of the early season that left us relegated to mellower days along the Park City Ridgeline... or perhaps I'm just getting better and more dialed at this whole splitboarding thing. 

- Dry Creek is a beautiful drainage and there are plenty of diversions and sights to see. I picture spending more time back here in all seasons— especially mid-winter camping when stability is right. It's kind of amazing how one drainage south of LCC feels like it's "out there." I suppose that's what the Central Wasatch will do to you. 

- Admittedly I am not too stoked on many objectives in the Central Wasatch as far as spring skiing goes (with the exception of some stuff in White Pine). I think this tour heralds an urge to venture further afield and access zones that are harder to reach during the winter.

Cardiff-Day's Fork 3/21

Lane in Benson & Hedges

On Sunday, March 21, the first day of spring, I set out for a proper day of steep powder riding in the Wasatch; the first this season, as a rare-for-the-Wasatch PWL issue muddied most ambitious plans up until recently. I was accompanied by Nick and Lane, who both rallied after a long week of skiing in the Tetons and ripping the resort, respectively. 

I knew the conditions were going to be good but the storm kept delivering and my expectations were greatly exceeded. 

The not so elusive Benson & Hedges Couloir

We left the TH at around 7:40 and were at the bottom of Benson and Hedges a little earlier than 9. We waited around on the apron to let the first party clear and then began the booter. While booting, another party came in from the top. Not usually a big deal but the first skier was rad enough to spray us with snow on his way down. Luckily, his partner apologized for him, but let me tell ya, he was this close to getting a snowball straight to the noggin'. The Wasatch can be a proper zoo sometimes. 

From the top we negotiated a short section of rocky snow and the rest of the couloir was patchy deep powder atop old avalanche debris. Just manky enough to make you take your time but deep enough for it to feel fun. 

Big Nick ready to drop

Nick entering Benson and Hedges

The apron was some of the best powder riding of the season, and the only thing that could've made it better was goggles. I didn't anticipate a low pressure day so I left the goggles in the truck, but lesson learned: keep em in the pack. 

After the apron, we reversed course and headed back up the booter for a run into Days. After some deliberation we traversed further south and skied Days Draw proper, which was dreamy, playful, and so wonderfully deep. The nice thing about slide path/tree skiing is that it's so straightforward and fun! 

Spring in the Wasatch

Freeride Lane about to get technical

From the bottom of Days Draw it was heads down to the top of Main Days. The sun came out for the first time that day and we all threw on anti-glop and de-layered. This was short-lived, and we were back into storm mode within the half hour. This particular 2.5k climb took a bit out of me for some reason, so I plodded along behind Lane and Nick and dealt with some gastrointestinal issues along the way. So it goes. I'm still 4/4 in not needing to poop in LCC/BCC, so that's something to be proud of. 

From the top of Main Days we dropped into Hallway. Lane skied it this past weekend and opted for the high entrance to spice things up. From the lower entrance, Nick and I watched as Lane negotiated the small, mandatory cliff. Any skis are rock skis if you try hard enough!

Hallway is excellent moderate couloir skiing. This was my favorite run of the day. 

Freeride Lane anxious to scratch the hardware

Nick in the goods

Lots of gnarled pine in upper Days/Cardiff

After Hallway we set up toward the Ivories. It seems that with these two the last climb of the day is always a slog and today was no exception. Lots of trailbreaking and a bit of navigating in ping pong ball visibility to the ridgeline wore me out some, but I was happy to be on top of Mid Ivory and ready to rip. The sun came out for the second time of the day in a big way, exposing the beautiful west-facing cliffs of Cardiff and also allowing me to open it up sans-goggles. Another great powder run. 

After a mellow splitski down the Cardiff Fork road, we were back at the car in around 10 hours. The first day of spring well spent. 

 

 

photo by Lane Aasen