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Base Camp
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- Statistics:
- Date Hiked: December 31, 2005
- Miles Hiked: 5.0
- Elevation Gain: 1,700'
- Hiking Partner(s): George Barnes,
Mark Brown, Joey Luther, Jill Salva
- Description:
- Although the statistics may appear as though this wasn't much of an
attempt at the peak, we actually gave it a good shot and turned around after
being concerned about avalanche potential. Mark and George had
plans for La Plata and made an open invitation for others to join them, so
Joey, Jill, and myself decided to tag along. We met at the trailhead
off of Highway 82 at 6:30 am to reasonable conditions.
- After hiking down the road and finding the register, it was
obvious that no one had been on the trail in a while. For the first
mile, the snow was only approximately six inches deep and we were able to
follow a hint of a trail. Once in La Plata Gulch, the snow deepened
to a foot or more and staying on the previously packed trail was more
difficult as we lost it several times. By rotating leaders, we were
able to stay relatively fresh and not get too worn out. I was
grateful there were five of us and not just two or three. Breaking
trail in this deep of snow was very tiring.
- The weather was more than acceptable, but progress was slow due to the
snow. We worked our way east on a steep slope through the trees in
hopes of gaining La Plata's northwest ridge. Once out of the trees,
it appeared as though we could utilize rock and scree to the peak and
cache our snowshoes. Although we knew the summit was still a fair
distance away, we thought our progress and speed would increase
substantially once beyond the snow and more difficult climbing.
- I approached the first scree field on a fairly steep snow slope as
Mark followed below about 100'. George, Joey, and Jill waited
another 100' below Mark near a group of trees. With five more steps
to the safety of the rocks, we all heard a large "whompf". About two
feet above me a fracture line cracked the snow at least 100' to my left
and all the way down to where George, Joey, and Jill were waiting.
Mark was basically in the center of the slab and quickly made it to a safe
zone in some trees. I also moved off the slab and sat on the scree
as my heart raced and adrenaline filled me. George, Joey, and Jill
made it over to Mark in the trees.
- Everyone was sketched out about what had happened. Although we
didn't trigger a slide, the cracks in the snow and potential for an
avalanche were enough for everyone to call it a day. I think we were
all slightly disappointed about turning around. The weather was
cooperating and the hardest climbing through the deep snow below tree line
was behind us. Nevertheless, the near avalanche weakened our
spirits, so we just decided to head back down after grabbing a bite to
eat. Despite not making the summit, I met some great people and had
a good time in the mountains.
- Maps:
-
Click here
to view a 2D
map of the area where this hike is located.
- Photographs:
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