May 9, 2004, Whistler Mtn-Washington Pass

After meeting up with our fellow Utah boy-turned Twisp resident-we aimed our sights on Washington Pass.  Knowing the mass potential for skiing the steep gnar only out of lore, the drive up the pass was striking to say the least.  Due to the early melt, especially on the east side of the range, it was obvious that our skiing would be limited to the shady and/or frequent flyer areas of the snow pack thus leaving many lines out of the question due to beyond heinous approaches.  However, as we drove west over the pass it wasnt long before two outstanding couloirs showed their faces to the north.  Resembling a tuning fork,  one very steep and narrow couloir (50 deg. 1500' vert) and slightly double fall line and melted out leading into a more plumb 2200' vert. 40 deg. shot that was straight as an arrow. The only catch was that there was a 100' melted off section with flowing water near the bottom.  Three hours after we left the car we were geared up and ready for our decent of Whistler Mtn. via the more plumb shot. The snow was pretty runneled and mushy due to a weak freeze but was manageable.  We rappelled and down climbed the melted section and skied the rest of the way down. Under optimal conditions this line would be a classic by ANY standards!  Overall this was a perfect mellow way to start a three week ski-mountaineering trip... Oh, and so was the huge batch of baked goods!