Dec 10/09-Peak 2318-Steep Creek

Skied W face Peak 2318

Photos Andy Traslin/ Mike Traslin

The first day was used to scope out the area,and I was not dissapointed,steep ski lines,beautiful views and fun looking peaks to climb.After 5 km of ski touring to darkside lake from the Duffey lake road,it is imediately apparent this is not the area you would want to be in a heavy avalanche cycle.Luckily with an arctic front we were treated with minus 20 degree temperatures and clear skies and good snow stabilty.Day two the objective was to ski PK 2318 which took about a few hours to climb using the long scenic route up a small chute then on to a long summit ridge.Once on the summit we experienced strong winds,which we soon found affected the snow quality and stabilty.The first few turns were uneventful,but the 50 degree roller led to a few tense moments,then it was down the variable snow back to dark side lake.Happy to take what mother nature had given us on this day.