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Peak(s):  Pacific Peak  -  13,965 feet
Mt. Helen  -  13,186 feet
Date Posted:  05/08/2011
Date Climbed:   05/07/2011
Author:  killingcokes
 Hawaii Couloirs and Helen South Face   

Finally the weather is letting me get some peaks done. After a very snowy April things are starting to turn more spring-like. The snow pack is still transitioning but after a few nice high pressure days we figured we'd give it a go on a bigger line. We assembled our rather large group of 5 at the Spruce Creek trailhead and headed up the East Face of Helen. We made decent time and prepared to drop in. The face was a bit cooked by the time we got it as there were numerous sluffs off our skis. Temps have been a bit high at night lately. Still in transition, but by following good travel procedures we made it down safely. It's a handsome line. Nice and steep. It's so sweet to finally get into some burlier terrain.

After refueling at the bottom we headed up into the Mohawk Lakes Basin and our next target. At upper Mohawk Lake Danny headed out after seeing how far Pacific was and he needed to get some work done on his house. Myself and Joe headed for Pacific and Gary and Darrel headed for Hawaii Chutes. Joe and I headed up the basin to a ramp just past the Hawaii Chutes and booted to the ridge and then on to the summit. 5900 vertical for the day, 2 great skis and a ton of fun. Lots of pics so enjoy.

This morning I met up with Jon Turner and we headed up towards Kite Lake but something is going on with my boots causing some serious pressure at my ankle. The pain was insane. We aborted this morning in hopes of taking care of the problem at the bootfitters in Denver this week. Next up 9 days of skiing starting Thursday. Gonna see just how much I can get done. It should be fun, hopefully the ankle is ready.... More pics at makingturns.com
































Comments or Questions
Elliot
User
Pacific
5/10/2011 1:41am
was the north couli on pacific fat?


killingcokes
User
Oh Yeah
5/10/2011 2:08am
Really fat. The top looks really skiable. Gonna go back for it in a few weeks. It gets no sun. I'd like to see some ambient warmth settle it out a little more


d_baker
N Couloir on Quandary?
5/11/2011 4:32pm
Did you notice how the N couloir on Quandary looked? I would assume with all the snow in the range that is should be in top to bottom?
Thanks, and nice pictures of your ski!


killingcokes
User
Yes Again
5/11/2011 6:12pm
The North Gully is filled in from the top. Gonna ski it soon I think.



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