May 31-June 3, 2002, Eldorado

Our original plan was to ski the Isolation traverse from Elsorado Peak to Pyramid Peak. That plan changed quickly. Rick, Dwayne, Jeff and I packed our fifty pount loads (with skis atop)up the 5400 feet of elevation from Cascade River road to the Inspiration Glacier looking for fine snow (and inspiration). Instead we found some of the worst snow conditions we'd seen in years. Frozen crust in the morning with about an hour of firm corn snow by 10 AM, yeilding to deep, unconsolidated mush soon thereafter. On day two we found ourself attempting to access the col that is the key to crossing to Backbone ridge. Instead we found ourselves betwext and between. The early morning ice crust was on a slope steep enough that using even ski crampons was questionable, yet resulted in breaking through to thigh deep mush when attempting to boot step it. We retreated chastened, but not defeated. We spent the rest of the time exploring the Inspiration ice cap, making our way back to the car, clean clothes, a... (NOTE: incomplete report received)

gordon thomson