May 24, 2008, Kaleetan

Khahn, Tim, Erik, Monika and I headed out for Kaleetan in SURPRISINGLY good weather after loosing and finding a pair of skis on I-90.  My old friend KG and his dog Baker joined us for trailbreaking in slush up to Bryant Col where they left us by way of the Bryant Couloir.  Snow from col down to Melakwa Lake was still frozen in the shade.  Kicking ourselves a little bit when seeing a clear Rainier, could have, would have, should have............thoughts emerged.  I bet like everyone else we were watching the forecast deteriorate as the week progressed.  IMO the only mistake one makes when weather is uncertain is the mistake of not going.  Uncertain forecast changed our itinerary and we had a great day.  The gulley to the shoulder of Kaleetan is protected by a cornice that 'seems' well anchored and very little overhanging.  Rockfall off Kaleetan sped our progress.  A little monkey business at the top of the gulley as it is partly melted out in sections and we were on the shoulder.  Kaleetan snow covered within 30 vertical of summit.  Skied down a couple of hundred feet and headed East off the shoulder and down to Melakwa Pass.  This was a really fun run.  After crossing Chair Peak Lake we headed slightly right and down to Snow Lake.  This run will be out shortly.  Lake crossings seems to be safe for now.  My camera battery ran out so maybe the other guys got some pics.