Nice little couloir, moderate angle. Axe, crampons and helmet used. Easy finish, no cornice. Patriot Couloir had a small cornice on top, so I think this is the best choice right now. Hiked from 2wd TH in American Basin. So many avalanches in the basin, 4wd TH will be closed for some time. Went on to hike Jones and Niagara.
Photo 1 - View of American Basin from 2wd TH.
Photo 2 - Snowbridge crossing between 2wd parking and creek crossing.
Photo 3 - Snow slide remnant covering 4wd road, one of many.
Photo 4 - Approaching the upper basin.
Photo 5 - Independence Couloir.
Photo 6 - View of Handies and ice covered Sloan Lake.
Photo 7 - Looking down from atop Northeast Face return descent with Handies in the background.
Photo 8 - Looking back up at descent slope.
Photo 9 - Route topo map.
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