Atlantic Peak Couloir
First Descent? : Atlantic Peak Couloir
Atlantic Canyon, Popo Agie Wilderness Area, Southern Wind River Range
February 12th, 2011
Looking into Atlantic Canyon from Christina LakeSeems like at least once a year I try a stab at going up Atlantic Canyon. You can see lots of cool terrain in there from the lake. It's a longer ways in there than it looks though. So far all of my attempts have been high traverses. I've never just dropped into the canyon I tried going up. The problem with the high traverses is that you end up going in and out of drainages... and you often come across good looking lines that are too tempting to drop.
Today I tried the lower road. It was nice and clear (super strong, gusty west winds) so I figured a tour would be about as good as anything. I was a few days late for the good pow. I've been eyeing what looked like a couloir that went on the more north side of the canyon for quite a few years now. After only an hour of skinning I was well with in range of it- so I went for it. Wasn't quite sure it was a couliour that went until I got right up to it. Hard to see from the angle of approach I was taking. It turned out to be good though. Nice and wide, not wide enough for big slabs though. The snow was, well... not pow, but also not ice. Nice chalky, smooth, and consistent. Prime schralpin' snow! I decided to go for it.
Video Trip Report
A look at the coulior from one of the Atlantic creek meadows, along the trail driving in.
Wolf Nipple Peak (skied many times in previous years). This was about as far as I'd get on previous tour into Atlantic Canyon. Not today though!
Going through the gap below Wolf Nipple peak... the target comes into view- still hard to see though, from this angle.
Pretty damn clear now though.
Going up!
A third of the way up I took a break and transitioned to boots and ice axe mode.
Time to hike!
Making progress.
The top was getting closer.
A look back from half way up.
Looking down from closer to the top.
Almost there.
Whooohoo! Made it.
Now for the terrifying part.
Going down.
If you click and enlarge- you can make out my nice, wide schralping turns. I kept them nice and wide near the top, testing snow conditions as I went. The snow was actually bomber and really very consistent schralping conditions- no crud, chunks or slabs- and not icey either. I found it easier to ski than the coulior we did last week in Jules Bowl actually.
All done!
Oh yea! Schralpin' coolies in the Winds! Livin' to tell about it!
Next up... maybe- actually I did have time, if I wanted to make it a long day. I figured I couldv'e been at the base of this in an hour or less. Since I was solo, I decided not press my luck though. 3 miles up a canyon, in the wilderness, away from my sled was far enough. I soaked in the view then headed back.
Looking back at Atlantic Peak Couloir from further up the canyon.
I played around on my way out, traversing/ climb high and dropping various lines here and there.
More big lines on the way out... stellar schralping conditions.
It felt good to see Christina Lake agian.
Got some more good turns back down to the sled.
The last couple turns.
Back a the sled. Getting ready for the 20 plus mile ride home (was parked at Bruces in Sinks Canyon).
Looking back. Click to enlarge. My approx route is in red. It was about a 3 mile skin in there, lots of up and down. I left the sled at 9:15am and got the base of the couloir around 11:00am. Was at the top around noon. Made it back to the sled just after 2:30pm. Quite a tour, definitely would have been time to explore some more up there, or do Atlantic peak. Click on the below to see a mapped route.
The last look back... motoring off into the sunset.
Ofcourse, the day wouldn't have been complete if I hadn't done something stupid. So... I decided to get my sled stuck. Figured my upper body needed a work out. I actually got it unstuck in about 20 minutes or so... the first time. Less than a minute later- I got it stuck again. This time a guy named Adam came by and helped yank it out. I quit playing around after that... and just pointed down the road- went home.
Back at home, it warmed up. Grillin' weather!
posted by Shad Hamilton at 2:12 PM
3 Comments:
What an awesome trip! I'm very jealous. I would have totally gone with you if I wasn't sick. I may have a chance to get out with you in the next few weeks though. I'll give you a call. Maybe we can hit up one of those other lines you were looking at.
What an awesome line and an incredible trip! I'm jealous, Shad. I would love to have come if I wasn't sick. I might have a chance to go out with you soon though. Maybe hit up some of those other lines you were looking at. I'll give you a call soon.
Thanks... whoever you are. Definitely give me a call if you want to get out. I'd love to get back up there.
Post a Comment
<< Home