The Notch in December

The Notch

Southern Windriver Range, Christina Lake Area

December 23rd, 2010

The skidoo perched on Christina Lake Dam, a plethora of options in the background.

Video TR... one of my best solo ones, I think.

Holy Cats!! That's all I can say. It's been a long, long time since I can remember a snow pack like this in the Winds, in December. Not only are things filling in that haven't filled in before Feb or March, but the snow pack is stable- to layer of depth hoar/ sugar at the base. Usually this time of year, any where the snow it deep, you run the risk of punching through. That usually reaks havoc on the sledding off trail and it's hard as hell to break trail in while skinning. It's not the case this year though. The snow pack base is solid. Ideal. The snow just get firmer the deeper you get.

Yesterday, after 4 to 6 inches of fresh snow being reported on the South Pass SNOTEL, I figured I'd head up into the Winds. Didn't know what I'd find. Nobody is really going up there yet. Not much grooming is occuring beyond Granier Meadows. I ended up breaking trail all the way in, from the parking lot on South Pass. The trail I followed into Christina Lake after Gustave lake, likely wasn't used at all since I last went there with Chuck and Karla. The Skidoo is amazing- it cruised right in, no problems.

Since warm, windless, blue bird conditions seemed to prevail when I reached the lake, I figured I'd try out the bigger peaks. The Notch area never dissappoints, and usually fills in early... the lower stuff in the tree out of the wind. Today though, honestly, I think the area was more filled in than it may have ever been last year. And it's still December! Wow! What a season this shaping up to be.

The Notch

A view of the Notch while skinning in.

Approaching the base.

Two thirds of the way up, looking up a the Notch and a sweet pow patch.

Entering The Notch

Eyeing the last pitch.

Mmmm. Yummy!

Finally, after wallowing a bit, reach the top.

Ready to drop- taking it easy though, because I know this slab could go.

My first turn out of The Notch produced a large crack on the new snow (click to enlarge photo and you'll see it). I quickly tucked under a rock band out of the way. Nothing went. Sometimes it does though. All good today. Off to the races!

Woweee Momma! Good stuff!

From the top.

A different angle.

Click to enlarge and you can see my entire line!

Going up for another. I eventually did four runs, all from the top. Usually the snow is wind effected, hard, or chunky up top. Today it was nice and soft all the way. It rocked!

The top was good. The bottom was stellar!

Even some hucks!

Plowin' the field!

Looking back, later in the day.

Clouds and fog rolled in later in the day. I looked back one last time a The Notch, shrouded in clouds, before heading back to the machine.

Always a good sight after a long day of skiing.

Looking back. Click on this to enlarge, and you can see my lines!

Riding off in the sunset.

Another fantastic powder day in the Winds, comes to a close... all that's left is the 1hr/ 16 mile motor back to the truck.