May 1, 2011, Riddle Peaks, Flora Mt via Holden
5/1/11
2297
1
Riddle Peaks (8200+)
Flora Mt (8320)
-ski from Holden via Tenmile Creek
April 29-May 2, 2011
A little late on a tr, but since I havent seen many for the area thought would good to post.
Took advantage of a three plus day weather window for an adventurous trip. Ferry then bus to Holden finishing off the day with skinning up Tenmile creek and digging in to camp at the southwest saddle of Riddle Peak. Eve temps dropped to below 16F in the tent brrrr. Next day a morning distraction to Riddle Peak up the not easiest way best part was getting into the sunshine. Broke camp and reclimbed Riddle Peaks ridge a ways to drop east onto an east face , then down a long col into Riddle Creek basin. Skinned NW up Riddle creek to lunch in the end of the beautiful larch and snow filled basin. Set camp on the ridge between Riddle Creek and Castle Creek for optimum sunshine and views.
Skied down into Castle Creek, traversed NE then SE up to the west base of Flora. Good skinning to the summit and great views. North, west and south clouds, for us sunshine and great scenery. We skied off the summit and back to camp in time for sunset.
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Sunday was the best weather day. We lazed around in no hurry. It was warmer and blue skies. Weather was forecast to tank Monday so we headed out. Skied SW through Riddle Creek basin to the Riddle Pass (north of north Riddle Peak).
We didnt know what to expect. Luckily a wide broad basin. Good skiing and a traverse north into Devore Creek and Fourth of July Basin. Snow got warmed and a bit of it sticking thick on the skins. Some wax gave a little respite, but not a whole lot. We headed south up the basin then traversed west to Tenmile Pass. Another great opportunity for a sunshine break (was time for lunch and about 2pm). Better than expected skiing down Tenmile creek with snow ending about 4000. A 400 walk down the cliffy area to more snow in the flatter area. We picked a camp spot near the trails. A good camp, but lacking the views of the previous days. Plenty of spare time after dinner, so we made an entertaining beer raid of our stash in Holden.
Monday brought cloudy weather. We arrived at Holden before 10:00. We were told to be there by 10:30. Well,¦ plenty of time to wait since only one boat on the late schedule. The PUD has been draining the lake and levels are too low for the larger boat. With the extra time we caught the up lake boat to Stehekin for burgers and killing some time. Weather forecast was for rain at 11am. On cue at 10:45 the rain started. Nice to be done and having had sweet skiing the day before. Looking out the wet ferry window at the dark grey skies and rain I cracked a smile¦ A great adventure and the timing couldnt have been better.
For a detailed tr go
Flora Mt (8320)
-ski from Holden via Tenmile Creek
April 29-May 2, 2011
A little late on a tr, but since I havent seen many for the area thought would good to post.
Took advantage of a three plus day weather window for an adventurous trip. Ferry then bus to Holden finishing off the day with skinning up Tenmile creek and digging in to camp at the southwest saddle of Riddle Peak. Eve temps dropped to below 16F in the tent brrrr. Next day a morning distraction to Riddle Peak up the not easiest way best part was getting into the sunshine. Broke camp and reclimbed Riddle Peaks ridge a ways to drop east onto an east face , then down a long col into Riddle Creek basin. Skinned NW up Riddle creek to lunch in the end of the beautiful larch and snow filled basin. Set camp on the ridge between Riddle Creek and Castle Creek for optimum sunshine and views.
Skied down into Castle Creek, traversed NE then SE up to the west base of Flora. Good skinning to the summit and great views. North, west and south clouds, for us sunshine and great scenery. We skied off the summit and back to camp in time for sunset.
Sunday was the best weather day. We lazed around in no hurry. It was warmer and blue skies. Weather was forecast to tank Monday so we headed out. Skied SW through Riddle Creek basin to the Riddle Pass (north of north Riddle Peak).
We didnt know what to expect. Luckily a wide broad basin. Good skiing and a traverse north into Devore Creek and Fourth of July Basin. Snow got warmed and a bit of it sticking thick on the skins. Some wax gave a little respite, but not a whole lot. We headed south up the basin then traversed west to Tenmile Pass. Another great opportunity for a sunshine break (was time for lunch and about 2pm). Better than expected skiing down Tenmile creek with snow ending about 4000. A 400 walk down the cliffy area to more snow in the flatter area. We picked a camp spot near the trails. A good camp, but lacking the views of the previous days. Plenty of spare time after dinner, so we made an entertaining beer raid of our stash in Holden.
Monday brought cloudy weather. We arrived at Holden before 10:00. We were told to be there by 10:30. Well,¦ plenty of time to wait since only one boat on the late schedule. The PUD has been draining the lake and levels are too low for the larger boat. With the extra time we caught the up lake boat to Stehekin for burgers and killing some time. Weather forecast was for rain at 11am. On cue at 10:45 the rain started. Nice to be done and having had sweet skiing the day before. Looking out the wet ferry window at the dark grey skies and rain I cracked a smile¦ A great adventure and the timing couldnt have been better.
For a detailed tr go
Very nice reports Franklin.
That looked like a heck of a good window you hit. From your pictures those mountains look amazing. Thanks for sharing your experience in low traveled area.
That looked like a heck of a good window you hit. From your pictures those mountains look amazing. Thanks for sharing your experience in low traveled area.
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