Then I got a call from Jason and Josh Hummel at about 3:30am Saturday who indicated that Sky was highly motivated to try it this weekend.  The Hummels and I were a bit skeptical that it would go given the current conditions, but we decided we'd better go just in case, otherwise miss out on a first descent that we'd been eyeing for a couple years.

Travel was hindered due to the recent snowfall at low elevations which caused several trees to fall across the road.  A chainsaw would have come in handy...better yet, a snowmobile!  Starting elevation: ~600ft.

Here's a video:  (Windows Media, 8.73MB 3:34)

As you can see, we made it out to the ridgeline that accesses the couloir.  Along the way we encountered highly unstable slopes and decided this wasn't our day to send the route.  Instead, we opted for much mellower slopes and enjoyed some of the lightest powder you can ever hope for in sub-zero temperatures.  As the afternoon crept on, it was time to head out.  The 'schwackage that came next was certainly photo worthy... However, every available arm and leg came into play in order to avoid careening down the steep icy chasm and into the creek...

We'll be back!

We went back.  Click here to see how it went.

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