1st light on Torrey's.
Spring skiing presents a number of challenges
Starting the (3000 foot) ascent on dirty snow. Grizzly Peak in the background
Beckie in the lower couloir
What season is it?
Beckie
Uh-oh...suncups
Beckie, ascending
The couloir is ~40°, and extends from near the summit to Grizzly Creek, 3000 feet below.
Strange shadows
The insideous dust that is killing our spring snowpack
Taking a break in the couloir, about half way up (Guh!)
Beckie
More dust. It arrived in a snow storm in February, transporting dust from the Colorado Plateau. Now it is at the surface, and it is causing the snow to melt very rapidly
Grizzly Peak and the Gore Range, near the summit of Torrey's
Near the top of the couloir, where the snow petered out. The summit is about 300 feet above my perch
Beckie approaching the top of the couloir
Beckie cruising my steps
Beckie, all smiles at the top
Beckie, deadly weapon in hand
Gumby shot
Yearning for winter's quick return
Kicking steps to the summit
The 10 Mile Range
Gray's Peak from Torrey's summit ridge
Returning from a quick stop on the summit
Waiting for the snow to soften up, 10:30 am.
Ready to go!