Sled trip and winter cache

11 Jan 08

I spent a night and two days at 1900m after dragging my sled for 5km up 400m ascent.  It was an easy path, but the combined weight of the sled and my back pack made the going very slow. After a stormy and very windy night I woke to moments of clear weather which made taking down the camp and burying it much easier.  During the night the storm created some large cross-loaded cornices and at about 2am I heard the loud roar of an avalanche.  The storm wind itself was screaming like a plane taking off, but the avalanche noise was unmistakable.  The next morning I found the slide path and ascended it partway to take some snow stability data. I have recorded the information in my avalanche observations book

On the way up it started to snow heavily, adding a little weight to my friend who followed me everywhere. All my winter camping and alpine gear (and the sled) are now stored at a great base camp area to support low effort multiple day trips each week.

 

Comments

Submitted by Ocean11 on 12 January 2008 - 9:52am.

I hope you won't mind if me and some of the other gapers pop up there and ride your sled for a bit? That ridge-looking thing in the middle distance looks about right...*

 

* Amazing photo

Submitted by Damian on 12 January 2008 - 9:16pm.

That tea tray has the potential for a dangerous amount of off-day fun.  It is an injury in the making.  And the middle ridge, along with the whole upper section, is very good fun.  No one seem to visit there though.  I am always alone.

 

Submitted by Rag-Doll on 14 January 2008 - 11:36am.

Damian wrote:

No one seem to visit there though.  I am always alone.

 

 

I couldn't let that forlorn cry go by without comment. We're with you in spirit Damian. We cling vicariously to your back pack as you trudge up and down the hills taking your snow measurements, hoping that you'll post some TRs and snow porn pictures.

My business trip to TY on 24 Jan is looking good.   I'm aiming to be in Hakuba from Thursday 24th Jan to Sunday 27th. If you're in around (i.e. in Hakuba and not ensconsed in a snow cave somewhere), it would be good to meet up.

Submitted by Damian on 14 January 2008 - 7:10pm.

Hi RD, I am glad you posted, thanks.  I will be in Hakuba then, although slightly busy, I would like to meet up.  I'll drop you a mail to arrange it.

ps - My brother arrives soon and together I think we will generate some good TR's. I am still working up to the bigger terrain and the trips that come with it.

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