Sorry for the posting drought! It’s been my goal to add something of interest once a week, but that hasn’t been easy this winter. The thin and scary snowpack has made it difficult to safely attempt much. The tick list on my dry erase board next to the computer is still fat with projects. After being caught in 2 sizable avalanches I figured I’ve added enough to this seasons tallies and I’ve been taking it easy.

This winters stats as posted on the Utah Avalanche Center-

This brings our record-shattering season total SO FAR this season to:

261 unintentional, human triggered avalanches in the backcountry

59 caught

23 partial burials

5 total burials

11 injured

3 killed

Today the avalanche conditions dropped to mostly moderate, time to play. Courtney and I wanted to get on something steep, but backed out of our ‘big’ idea  and opted for the North Couloir on the Pfief.

Good booting on the apron……

gave way to thin, rotten and rocky going.

Steepness was achieved!

Neither of us had been on anything over 50 degrees for the season. That first turn is always the hardest, hands downhill, knees supple, commit, hop, edge holds. Do it again.

Courtney working through it after I cleaned out most of the snow.

Not too many rules in ski mountaineering, just climb up however you can and then descend the best you are able.

It’s not always pretty.

Ahhhhh! The relief of the apron.

We worked over the ridge into Hogum to tick off another mini chute.

I’m not sure the inclinometer is working correctly. It didn’t feel that steep.

‘Ivory’ is a super short, but nice run.

Conditions were nice for hop turning.

Those are some supple looking knees if I do say so myself.

Courtney exiting into the mind blowing landscape of upper Hogum.

The turns out Hogum were a spotty mix of creamy and crusty with the mandatory creek crossing to finish.

And my favorite photo of the day.

It’s nice to be back in the mountains.