2009.03.21-22 Buffalo Mountain and Return to Citadel

After being back east for the annual Society of Toxicology meeting last week, I was missing the mountains and anxious to get back to Colorado. Blue skies, sunshine, and warm temperatures continued through the weekend and offered another opporunity to get in some early spring skiing on lines that usually don't set up with low avalanche danger until later in the season. First up: Buffalo Mountain. Most visitors to Colorado will recognize Buffalo Mountain as the large hump rising directly from Silverthorne viewed after traveling westbound through the Eisenhower Tunnel on I-70. Buffalo Mountain is characterized by the long, wide North (or Silver) couloir that splits its north face. This couloir stretching ~2,000 vertical feet is considered one of the longest in Colorado and has long stood among the state's classic ski descents. A large group of 11 met on Saturday morning and ascended the steep east slopes to Buffalo Mtn's summit at 12,777 feet.

Sunrise over Frisco/Dillon/Silverthorne valley:

On the summit, switching gear for the ski descent:

The snow conditions in the couloir were quite variable, ranging from soft spring corn to icy hardpack. We all skied cautiously especially after Brandon fell and slid a ways before arresting without injury. The 2,000 vertical feet of uninterrupted skiing completely satisfied my expectations for the day. It was especially fun to get out with such a large group, although it takes a loooong time when skiing one at a time down short sections between safe zones.

Rainier takes a break:

Myself skiing the upper entrance of the couloir:

Andy turns through spring corn:

Devon reaches the bottom of the couloir with much relief:

Buffalo Mtn and north couloir (right of center) seen from CO-9 north of Silverthorne:

On Sunday, I set out on a solo adventure and returned to Herman Gulch and Citadel Peak. After last weekend's experience, I couldn't resist getting back to this area in hopes of finding similar conditions. This basin is a favorite playground for snowmobilers, and I arrived to see tracks littering Citadel's slopes.

Snowmobiles highmark in every direction:

However, I had the place to my lonesome on this day. My summit attempt was stopped a mere 100 feet shy due to quickly softening snow under the sun's intense rays. However, I was able to get some turns down the summit snowfield before traversing back along the ridge to find untracked snow on north-facing aspects that held plenty of spring powder. Enough so that after one lap, I turned right around and hiked up for another.

Hiking along the south ridge:

Preparing to descend the steep summit snowfield:

Finding the goods (snowmobiles can't get everywhere):

With quick access from Denver, beautiful views, and a myriad of skiing and hiking potential, this area is quickly moving up the list of my favorite places in Colorado.

2009.03.13 - Citadel Ski Descent

The month of March in Colorado usually signals a renewed ski season as early spring storms bring plenty of snow to enjoy in the warmer temperatures. However, there hasn't been much snow lately so finding good conditions (let alone powder) has been a bit more difficult than usual. After doing some extensive searching last week, I came across a north-facing, high-elevation bowl in the Front Range mountains that I thought might still hold some soft snow with minimal avalanche danger. Caleb, Devon, and I joined up for the second time in a few days and made our attempt on Citadel Peak, just east of the Continental Divide on a beautiful bluebird, spring-like Colorado day.

Skinning through the Dry Gulch area on the early morning approach:

The southern face of the Citadel is littered with numerous chutes and gullies, all waiting to be skied. Devon decided to ski a section lower on the ridge. After watching Devon make smooth powder turns, Caleb and I were stoked about the conditions and hiked farther to find a more challenging and aesthetic line.

Devon makes tele turns down a chute:

Hiking along the ridge to find a suitable ski descent:

After finding a good line and assessing snow conditions, it was time to get ready for some skiing:

Myself dropping in:

At this point, I yelled back to Caleb: "I'm not waiting. I'm going to bomb this thing!":

And off I went, making fast turns down 1,000 vertical feet of powder:

Devon's view of my descent from below:

Caleb takes his turns in a more controlled manner:

Caleb and I look at our tracks and reflect on a day's work:

The Herman Gulch area was absolutely beautiful and the ski conditions amazing. It is always satisfying when a little bit of research pays off with great skiing. I'm hopeful that I'll be able to get back to Citadel Peak in the coming weeks to check out some of the other ski descents in the area.

2009.03.11 - Jones Pass Dawn Patrol

What did you do before work this morning? Devon, Caleb, and I took advantage of the recent snowfall and promising forecast to get in a dawn patrol. Caleb turned us towards the Jones Pass area where we found some great early morning powder turns. The weather was absolutely gorgeous as the winds calmed and temperatures climbed on a typical bluebird Colorado spring day.

Skinning in the early morning light:

Caleb tears down the first lap:

After dealing with some slick dust on crust conditions on the approach and first lap, we swung around to a northeast-facing gully to find our best turns of the day.

Myself, trying to get a taste of the snow:

Devon and I taking a break between laps: Devon: A good morning, now off to work:

Penn State Basketball to go dancing!?!?

For basketball fans, you usually won't find much information here but there are a few times each year when I actually watch and get excited about a game. Last night was one of these occasions as Penn State played Illinois in the most important home game in the history of PSU basketball. Win and secure a bid in the NCAA tournament, lose and watch from home. Here's how it played out: And here's the aftermath:

WE ARE....PENN STATE!

2009.02.21 Skiing Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park has always been one of my favorite places in Colorado, especially during the off-season when "tourons" aren't clogging the roads and trailheads. Since taking an avalanche I course through CMS in December '06, I've always wanted to check out some of the stunning couloirs and skiing options throughout the park. I gathered much information from Eli Helmuth's site (check out Eli's useful info and guide services at http://www.climbinglife.com/) as Jesse and Andy joined me for the day trip. We started skinning from the Bear Lake trailhead and proceeded to take a detoured route to reach the series of lakes leading up to the Tyndall glacier area. Our objective for the day was the Dragontail Couloir arising from Emerald Lake.

Our first views of the Dragontail Coulior:

The weather wasn't fully cooperating as swirling winds pelted us with blowing snow for most of the morning. We started our ascent to the base of the couloir, where we assessed avalanche conditions by digging a snow pit. We quickly discovered a fresh windslab layer sitting atop softer snow that sheared very easily. Unfortunately this meant the end of our climb as we all agreed that the avalanche danger was significant. However, we still managed some good turns below the couloir and in the Terrain Park area as the winds eased and we enjoyed a bluebird afternoon.

Jesse makes turns on the apron below the Dragontail couloir:

Andy and Jesse crossing Emerald Lake:

Also, much thanks to Rich for giving us an intimate tour of the Oscar Blues Brewery. And Joel and Devon for letting us use their place as party central later that evening.