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Author Topic: Oct 27th Crystal Southback pow  (Read 4974 times)
Scotsman
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Oct 27th Crystal Southback pow
« on: 10/27/10, 05:52 PM »

It was good.
PNWbrit, ChesterT,  FriendlyMark and I.
Views of Rainier were superb . I hope those that went to Paradise were rewarded with a great day.
Silver Basin skied good but wind was definitely causing it to slab.
Shaded areas skied like velvet.
Good coverage but you had to know where the talus fields were.
Think Rusty Knees and Teleskichica were up there but our paths didn't intersect.
My husky Chugach got very tired.

Picture courtesy of PNWBrit.

Edit to add.:On an equipment note. I fell on one of my runs and lost a ski that was attached using the B&D ski leash( it was attached to the ski with the breakaway zip tie protected by plastic tubing that B&D supplies and recommends). Breakaway link broke and ski was loose. Found it after 10 mins of digging but I was surprised it broke in a fall. Breakaway link needs to be strengthened if they are going to be any use as a ski retention leash.


* Southback_pow.JPG (31.57 KB, 336x448 - viewed 1741 times.)
« Last Edit: 10/27/10, 06:13 PM by Scotsman » Logged

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skierlyles
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Re: Oct 27th Crystal Southback pow
« Reply #1 on: 10/27/10, 06:03 PM »

Nice! Looks velvety.
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Ritalin Kid
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Re: Oct 27th Crystal Southback pow
« Reply #2 on: 10/27/10, 06:11 PM »

Did it warm up?  Considering calling in sick on Friday and debating between Crystal or Chinook if it reopens. 
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Kyle Miller
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WWW
Re: Oct 27th Crystal Southback pow
« Reply #3 on: 10/27/10, 06:20 PM »

 Cry
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SISU
Scotsman
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Re: Oct 27th Crystal Southback pow
« Reply #4 on: 10/27/10, 06:23 PM »

Wind was howling up Silver Basin causing snow to become more cohesive with every run. Ski track was filled by the time we started back up. Saw some crack propagation starting later in the day. Not enough snow to be really worried and vegetation anchoring still in affect but still good to be cautious.
Some natural sloughs in JBAS and 3way peak area on steeper aprons below cliffs.
24" snow on Silver Basin slopes as I dug to find my ski.

No real sun affect in SB while we were there but I heard from a skier at base who went to Green Valley that it was sun affected there.
Shaded areas remained velvety as long as we were there.
Lower hill snow melting fast.
Weather forecast could bring rain to lower base on Thurs.
I was told heli is booked for  Fri and Sat for Gondola tower erection= Personally worried that they will get it done.
Friday depends on freezing levels as to how good it could be. It was cold today.
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Scotsman
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Re: Oct 27th Crystal Southback pow
« Reply #5 on: 10/27/10, 06:26 PM »

Cry

HAHAHA Grin
How was work at my office today Kyle? It's terrible when your boss goes skiing and you have to work. Wink
With the amount of riding you're going to get this winter, you're getting no sympathy from me! Grin
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Teleskichica
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Re: Oct 27th Crystal Southback pow
« Reply #6 on: 10/27/10, 08:00 PM »

Yes... we were. Took a "first timer" out today and had a great time. I had to reset the clock after ankle breakage... so this is another full year of TAY for me and 4 for Mr. Knees!! Forgot my camera, but thankfully didn't forget how to ski powder. Smiley
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Zap
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Re: Oct 27th Crystal Southback pow
« Reply #7 on: 10/27/10, 08:13 PM »


Edit to add.:On an equipment note. I fell on one of my runs and lost a ski that was attached using the B&D ski leash( it was attached to the ski with the breakaway zip tie protected by plastic tubing that B&D supplies and recommends). Breakaway link broke and ski was loose. Found it after 10 mins of digging but I was surprised it broke in a fall. Breakaway link needs to be strengthened if they are going to be any use as a ski retention leash.
Scotty,  I also use the B&D leash but I have not had a release to test the reliability of the plastic tubing covering the zip tie.  Could you post or send me a PM with your solution.

Nice call on Silver Basin versus the longer drive and gate issue at Paradise.

Thanks

Zap
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stoudema
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Re: Oct 27th Crystal Southback pow
« Reply #8 on: 10/27/10, 08:14 PM »

Gotta love it!  Early season powder is something to savor - nice work!
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Rusty Knees
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Re: Oct 27th Crystal Southback pow
« Reply #9 on: 10/27/10, 08:29 PM »

We only had time for one lap in Silver Basin - the snow was deep and smooth.  Turns were great, falls were a lot of work getting back up  Cool  We skied all the way down to the lodge - got a couple good core shots  Sad.   The ole Reverends are pretty thrashed, finally.  Time for new skis!
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Scotsman
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Re: Oct 27th Crystal Southback pow
« Reply #10 on: 10/28/10, 09:04 AM »

Scotty,  I also use the B&D leash but I have not had a release to test the reliability of the plastic tubing covering the zip tie.  Could you post or send me a PM with your solution.
Zap

Will do although I'm not sure there is a solution. Thinking about it last night I realized that in that fall I went over the handlebars and fell ahead of the ski , leaving it buried deep in the pow. For the breakway to have resisted that force it would have had to be strong enough to resist the force of a 200 lb guy travelling at 25 mph pulling directly on the leash. If it could withstand those forces it might not breakaway in an avy which is a MUST.
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ron j
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Re: Oct 27th Crystal Southback pow
« Reply #11 on: 10/28/10, 10:27 AM »

Scotty,  I also use the B&D leash but I have not had a release to test the reliability of the plastic tubing covering the zip tie.  Could you post or send me a PM with your solution.
Zap
Will do although I'm not sure there is a solution. Thinking about it last night I realized that in that fall I went over the handlebars and fell ahead of the ski , leaving it buried deep in the pow. For the breakway to have resisted that force it would have had to be strong enough to resist the force of a 200 lb guy travelling at 25 mph pulling directly on the leash. If it could withstand those forces it might not breakaway in an avy which is a MUST.

Were I in your shoes (boots?) I’d be going back to the ski brakes, guys Wink
They’re really not that much heavier that those 6 foot leashes you’re now lugging around and, like the bindings, they work pretty good when you understand their idiosyncrasies and take care of them.


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“Prediction is very difficult, especially if it's about the future.” - Niels Bohr
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Scotsman
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Re: Oct 27th Crystal Southback pow
« Reply #12 on: 10/28/10, 10:45 AM »

Were I in your shoes (boots?) I’d be going back to the ski brakes, guys Wink
They’re really not that much heavier that those 6 foot leashes you’re now lugging around and, like the bindings, they work pretty good when you understand their idiosyncrasies and take care of them.

mmmh. Food for thought. If I go back to brakes will you give me some Jedi lessons on brake care?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiG-aWihqds&feature=related

Edit to add: Problem is Dynafit brakes for a 125mm wide ski?Huh Superfat has it's issues when it comes to dynafit brakes.
« Last Edit: 10/28/10, 10:54 AM by Scotsman » Logged

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ron j
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Re: Oct 27th Crystal Southback pow
« Reply #13 on: 10/28/10, 10:54 AM »

mmmh. Food for thought. If I go back to brakes will you give me some Jedi lessons on brake care?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiG-aWihqds&feature=related
I will.
You have the word of a Jedi Master.
It will be good to deliver you back from the darkside.

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"When I stop having fun I'm turnin' around"
“Prediction is very difficult, especially if it's about the future.” - Niels Bohr
"If a given person makes it a priority not to die in an avalanche, he or she stands a very good chance of living a long, happy life in the mountains." - Jill Fredston
ron j
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Re: Oct 27th Crystal Southback pow
« Reply #14 on: 10/28/10, 11:02 AM »

Edit to add: Problem is Dynafit brakes for a 125mm wide ski?Huh Superfat has it's issues when it comes to dynafit brakes.

The challenges make you stronger young skywalker:
DYNAFIT TLT WIDE BRAKE 130MM


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"When I stop having fun I'm turnin' around"
“Prediction is very difficult, especially if it's about the future.” - Niels Bohr
"If a given person makes it a priority not to die in an avalanche, he or she stands a very good chance of living a long, happy life in the mountains." - Jill Fredston
Scotsman
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Re: Oct 27th Crystal Southback pow
« Reply #15 on: 10/28/10, 11:07 AM »

The challenges make you stronger young skywalker:
DYNAFIT TLT WIDE BRAKE 130MM


Do they fit STS?
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Scotsman
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Re: Oct 27th Crystal Southback pow
« Reply #16 on: 10/28/10, 11:09 AM »


It will be good to deliver you back from the darkside.

sorry, staying in the darkside= much more fun and since I'm an aetheist...  ultimate consequences of bad behaviour are irrelevant. Wink
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ron j
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Re: Oct 27th Crystal Southback pow
« Reply #17 on: 10/28/10, 11:22 AM »

Do they fit STS?
They fit the Vertical FT 12 and Vertical ST bindings.

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"When I stop having fun I'm turnin' around"
“Prediction is very difficult, especially if it's about the future.” - Niels Bohr
"If a given person makes it a priority not to die in an avalanche, he or she stands a very good chance of living a long, happy life in the mountains." - Jill Fredston
andyrew
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Re: Oct 27th Crystal Southback pow
« Reply #18 on: 10/28/10, 12:16 PM »

Will do although I'm not sure there is a solution. Thinking about it last night I realized that in that fall I went over the handlebars and fell ahead of the ski , leaving it buried deep in the pow. For the breakway to have resisted that force it would have had to be strong enough to resist the force of a 200 lb guy travelling at 25 mph pulling directly on the leash. If it could withstand those forces it might not breakaway in an avy which is a MUST.

Would a ski brake help in that situation?  I've seen plenty a ski, such as my own, go missing on deep days in that sort of crash.  I sometimes wore powder cords last season, but those were a pain in the ass in their own way.  I suppose crashing less is one solution.  Grin
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ron j
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Re: Oct 27th Crystal Southback pow
« Reply #19 on: 10/28/10, 12:42 PM »

Would a ski brake help in that situation?  I've seen plenty a ski, such as my own, go missing on deep days in that sort of crash.  I sometimes wore powder cords last season, but those were a pain in the ass in their own way.  I suppose crashing less is one solution.  Grin
Good clarification, Andrew.
The ski brake suggestion was targeting Scotty's lack of confidence that the leash's fusible link would properly serve to hold on to the ski in a fall where you didn't want to lose it yet break so as to not keep the ski near you so if you happen to take "the Ride". Not may relish the idea of riding (tumbling) down the mountain with a 6' Cuisinart blade.  Obviously with brakes only, the detached ski is most likely gone (and possibly lost).
So you are right, if you want the skis to be easier to find once you stop tumbling, powder cords (or straps without fusible links) are the superior tool.

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"When I stop having fun I'm turnin' around"
“Prediction is very difficult, especially if it's about the future.” - Niels Bohr
"If a given person makes it a priority not to die in an avalanche, he or she stands a very good chance of living a long, happy life in the mountains." - Jill Fredston
Scotsman
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Re: Oct 27th Crystal Southback pow
« Reply #20 on: 10/28/10, 12:45 PM »

  I suppose crashing less is one solution.  Grin
Well that ain't going to happen anytime soon!
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Re: Oct 27th Crystal Southback pow
« Reply #21 on: 10/28/10, 12:58 PM »

Good clarification, Andrew.
The ski brake suggestion was targeting Scotty's lack of confidence that the leash's fusible link would properly serve to hold on to the ski in a fall where you didn't want to lose it yet break so as to not keep the ski near you so if you happen to take "the Ride".
mmmmh. Why B&D ski leashes?
1) Brakes= I don't like dynafit brakes especially in deep snow. One of the people touring with me yesterday had brakes and they were definitely adding to his fiddle factor, getting clumped up and adding to his transition time.. significantly.. and when there's fresh powder who wants to be last at the transitions?Huh
2) If using leashes in avy terrain, they MUST break as it is well documented that skis on leads to deeper burial.
3) brakeless  skis can be dropped at transitions.... B&D leashes allow enough extension that I can stick my skis into the snow, tails first and put skins on while they are still attached to my boots.
4) Never had to fart around with taking leashes on and off at transitions due to 3) above. Fastest at transitions means first tracks!!!!
5) I think I still prefer the breakable leash concept to the fiddle factor of dynafit brakes in deep snow. I need to accept that in some falls the link is going to break same as in an avy but that I need to find the correct strength ratio so that they WILL break in an avy but still hold for most falls while skiing.. Maybe double zip ties.?
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Joedabaker
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Re: Oct 27th Crystal Southback pow
« Reply #22 on: 10/28/10, 01:11 PM »

3) above. Fastest at transitions means first tracks!!!!

Providing that the one that is the first one up lets you go first as a an avalanche probe!

The turns in the middle of the 1st picture look like SauPow's nice tight turns on those new Manaslus  Wink
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ron j
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Re: Oct 27th Crystal Southback pow
« Reply #23 on: 10/28/10, 01:35 PM »

... I think I still prefer the breakable leash concept to the fiddle factor of dynafit brakes in deep snow. I need to accept that in some falls the link is going to break same as in an avy but that I need to find the correct strength ratio so that they WILL break in an avy but still hold for most falls while skiing.. Maybe double zip ties.?
Might as well go for the triple ties. As far a I know the ties don't really have standardized or rated breaking strength so who knows what you really need or at what actual load each individual tie will break at. The ultimate test will be if (god forbid) you find yourself in an avy and they do NOT break. But in the mean time you'll have had the convenience of items 1 through 4 to justify it. Maybe go with the zip ties that the cops use for handcuffs to lock in those benefits Wink

FWIW, I do not believe my brakes add to my transition time... but then again transition time isn't very important to me, either, so I may be much slower than you regardless. As I’m sure you have noticed, old people are not well known for their fast transitions. On virgin slopes I tend to be more of an “out fumbler”. 


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"When I stop having fun I'm turnin' around"
“Prediction is very difficult, especially if it's about the future.” - Niels Bohr
"If a given person makes it a priority not to die in an avalanche, he or she stands a very good chance of living a long, happy life in the mountains." - Jill Fredston
Scotsman
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Re: Oct 27th Crystal Southback pow
« Reply #24 on: 10/28/10, 02:08 PM »

Interesting.
I consider transition times one of the" arts "of BC skiing and very important.
Good transition times result in briefer stops and people not becoming cold etc.
I'm always amazed at how transition times very between people.
There is one person (who shall be nameless) who I toured with who use to touch everything about 3 times and do his transitions in a different sequence nearly everytime. Very slow and frustrating to tour with as a result.
Transitions are one of the few things associated with BC skiing that I frankly do very well and I am very fast  and excuse my chestbeating but I have practised hard and spent the time to develop a sequence that optimizes the movements involved like a "time and Motion " study, so therefore I feel I deserve my self appreciation.
Come up with a sequence and stick to it everytime and touch everything only once.
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