Home > Trip Reports > 22 Apr 2013, Mt Hardy, Open Fly couloir

22 Apr 2013, Mt Hardy, Open Fly couloir

4/22/13
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Posted by hedonaut on 4/24/13 2:48pm
Spectacular day in the N Cascades, made even better by a powder-filled couloir and buttered corn on return slopes.  The snowpack up high looked pretty darn robust, at least as of Monday.

So to add to the data on this line: we snagged boot-top+ pow for more than half the descent, and no cornice issues.  We dropped in at around 830a and were happy for the early start; sun does warm the cliffs on skier's left pretty early, and they began shedding snow while were hustling towards the exit.

We headed over to Tower to ski its west face, but the deep powder encountered above the first cliff band spooked us homeward.  Leisurely return via high-ish traverse along Hardy's eastern flank, then enjoyed the aforementioned corn nearly to the road.  Great day, companion, tour.

Greybeard looking fat


The couloir, and Golden Horn across the Methow R.


Nice snow upon entry


the couloir goes on and on


acceptably scenic travel




Wish I could've stayed up there all week!  edit:


super fly open fly - - boing!

Sick line fly guys!




nice one !  saw your tracks high on hardy from methow col - good way to exit while there is snow on that slope !

Wow.  Those first two couloir pics are amazing.  Looks like you have to duck under the leaning rock to squeeze through the steep section. 

And it looks really steep.

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22-apr-2013-mt-hardy-open-fly-couloir
hedonaut
2013-04-24 21:48:38