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 Peak:  Mt. Yale
 Route:  Southwest Slopes
 Range:  Sawatch
 Posted By:  hberry
 Date of Info:  4/12/2014
 Date Posted:  4/14/2014
Details

Started from Denny Creek Trailhead at 5:00 AM. Snow was firm from the trailhead to snow line. Used ski boots the entire time - never had a need to switch from skins. From tree line to ~13,300 feet it is a mix of snow, dirt, and rocks. Crampons may be very helpful in some spots although I did not use them. From 13,300 up the steep face to the ridge line crampons are needed with a mix of snow and rocks for some interesting billygoating. Once on the ridge, crampons are no longer needed as you are on rock 90% of the time. There is snow at the summit going towards the north, where you can wrap around to the south-east. You will have to take your skis on and off several times. You will also be required to skin/hike to get back into the correct drainage to get back to the trail.

Note: To anyone that thinks the drainage to the skiers left of the main trail will be a successful ski out - it is not. Don't ask how I know. :-)

Pictures from summit attached.



Comments or Questions
hberry
User
Photos
4/14/2014 5:44pm
I don't think any of my photos have a great shot of it. Here is the link to my album. I was alone so I didn't take a ton of pictures.

https://plus.google.com/photos/114158295991090179022/albums/6002149645708906241?authkey=CMqalO2jleyLZA


SnowAlien
User
Silver Creek
4/2/2015 7:45pm
Did you get any photos looking North into Silver Creek drainage/towards Columbia? Wondering what's the coverage like there. Thanks for posting an update!



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