April 9, 2011 G.O.S.

Spring skiing arrived almost overnight on Mt. Washington this year. I had a weekend work schedule and there's been considerable avalanche danger, so I hadn't climbed until this weekend. To make a point: April 2nd GGT had packed powder on a 2-3' base along its entire trail system. Up above, spindrift was peeling off Nelson Craig and the snow-coach couldn't get through the drifts at the horn. Snowfall and snowpack is way ahead of last year, but just average. Up high, there's snow in all the right places, except on the west side. Compared to last season, the west side is barren.

I invited Doug along for an Alpine tour into G.O.S., our 2nd outing together. Doug tested his new gear back in early February on the Sherburne Trail. He's on a pair of Solomon Shogun 100mm skis with a 30% rise with a pair of Solomon AT boots clicked into Marker Tour f12s.

Had a simple plan. Weather was sunny and warm. Avi rating was low on all aspects except for colder, north facing steeps. There was still soft slab from a 3-inch storm and blow-in from earlier in the week. Parking at Pinkham would be overflow, streetside. The plan was be early enough to park and get in a run before it got too soft. The freeze-thaw cycle was only in its second day, so sunny aspects might be like cement.

Conditions up high were consistent. 3-4" of wet, unconsolidated mank, beginning to corn up, and well bonded to a hard layer. First turn, Doug stubbed his toe on some treetops and went over the handlebars. He recovered quickly and hit his stride mid-way down. Deep blue sky, wall to wall snow on the ski trail, all gullies chock-a-block fulla snow. Leisurely pace in, out by 2:30.


That same day, these gentlemen passed us on the approach and were later caught on camera by Time for Tuckerman forum member Steve Snowrider. That's ok fellas. We can't keep up with you guys anyway and enjoyed chatting with your wives. Catch you some other time.