Coleman Headwall FAIL
By: Sam
June 23, 2010
We finally got a look at our intended line (Red), and a recently skied alternative (Blue).
“Hmmm, roughly 2000 feet of no-fall terrain, exposure to icefall the entire time, an insane roll-over to start the line, and a crevasse-riddled exit. This could be pretty burly.”
Due to our late start, we also considered this: the lower section of the North Ridge. Having gone all that way though, we felt obligated to press on with the original plan, at least until we felt that it would be dangerous to continue to do so.
Rapid warming, caused by the clearing clouds, led to some rather large icefall.
Checking out the line.
After our short break, we headed out again.
Drew, leading the way.
The icefall continued as we pressed on
Read about the author: Sam
Enjoy this TR? Read another: TR: A Trip to the Far East – Exploring Americas Hat
14 Comments
christian
wrote on June 23rd, 2010 at 8:10 pmwow sam, glad to see you’re not wasting any time out there. i really like the 3rd to last shot of reed making schuss by the wobbly seracs, yikes. fedora as helmet…how debonair.
Sam
wrote on June 23rd, 2010 at 8:43 pmTime is a non-renewable resource, it’s not to be wasted.
Greg
wrote on June 24th, 2010 at 12:17 amso did Reed poo those little red dots on the mountain in the last shot to leave a record of your descent? I’m confused. ;)
JK man (and other men appearing in this TR). SOLID work. Almost too big for 17mm it seems… hard to get it all in. Keep it churnin out there. We’re eager to keep the flame burning back here.
PS Reed skis like Zach from this tr…
PPS Question for Drew: What’s with that ice tool carry? Is there some reason behind that that I’m missing? From the comfort of my sofa in 80 degree VT it looks like a kidney-kabob maker…
Sam
wrote on June 24th, 2010 at 12:28 amRe: your question for Drew. He didn’t have a whippet. He was keeping the axe handy in case he wanted to ski with his axe out and ready to arrest (which he did for a brief while).
Chris
wrote on June 24th, 2010 at 9:41 amThat’s a pretty sweet looking fail.. Nice write up Sam and killer pics.
Jay
wrote on June 24th, 2010 at 10:03 amGreat TR!!
I’m liking the Washington branch of FIS already…
Harvey44
wrote on June 24th, 2010 at 10:59 amSam … I got scared just reading it. Beautiful photos and a compelling story. While I haven’t attempted an bc ski of that scope, I can totally relate to the feeling of exhilaration that you get enjoying the hero snow at the end of an adventure, when the significant risk is all behind you.
Adrian
wrote on June 24th, 2010 at 11:05 amWow, this is very impressive even though you didn’t hit your target line.
Also, it’s nice to see that there’s still cold somewhere on this continent. Dealing with 90°+ days for the past week (ugh!), it’s a refreshing reminder.
Drew
wrote on June 24th, 2010 at 12:14 pmI had my axe-as-sidearm up top for sideslipping down 45°+ fall-you-die rime ice. I kept it available as I headed over snow bridges down into the serac ramp in case I needed it there for any reason. And then skiing the ramp proper, another very steep slope, we started to note glacial ice under the corn and if I found myself on something blue I wanted to be ready.
But thanks for your concern for my kidneys, they appreciate it.
Greg
wrote on June 24th, 2010 at 4:32 pmthanks for the input. always like to hear the thinking behind mtn travel choices are…
and make no mistake, I wasn’t critiquing in any way… hence the joke about me quarterbacking from my armchair. awesome to have you featured in a TR Drew. Here’s to many more!!
Hannah
wrote on June 24th, 2010 at 2:24 pmI <3 Drew Tabke
Also like photo #3 on page 4: all indications point to this being a serious ski line, but actually buckle one's boots? Nahhh.
robrox
wrote on June 24th, 2010 at 4:19 pmAdrenal line choice! The crashing ice and numerous slide paths all about..wow!
Great pix!
Harvey44
wrote on June 26th, 2010 at 10:18 amGood catch Hannah! Eagle eye.
powhounddd
wrote on June 28th, 2010 at 9:16 pmholey moley, June turns FTW!