Current Creek 043011

The last day of April brought us more powder than we had seen in months at Current Creek.

We stoically endured the gushing mid-week snow reports from Loveland while we toiled at our desks, but we secretly hoped there would be some of that newly fallen goodness for us when the weekend arrived.  We weren't disappointed.

I gathered the troops at Woolly Mammoth HH, including Cheryl, Judi, Helayn, Diane S, Phil, Dave F, and Bob.  As usual, at lower elevations, the pavement was dry and the ground was bare, but as we ascended the pass, the road conditions deteriorated as the snow conditions improved.  At the trailhead, we were thrilled to find 8 - 12" of powder.  We clambered over the towering snow banks, strapped on the skis and broke trail to the Upper 110s.  In the haste to reach the top, Phil set new records for nearly vertical uptracks.  

Phil and Bob wasted no time summiting the ridge between Current and Second Creeks while the rest of the group de-skinned just below the ridge out of the wind.  

On top of the ridge, the snow was compacted into soft wind slabs, but conditions improved almost immediately as we descended.  There were about 6" of silky powder on top of the usual icy crust in the trees, but the depths were better in the open.  After an all-too-quick series of turns, we reached the bottom.  Some opted for a quick snack, while others headed straight back up for the next run.  

At the top we peeled off the skins and prepared for the run.  

On the second run I followed the group through the lower trees on skier's left. Here we found the powder was OK, but the crusty base was more evident the thicker the trees.  We concluded that the snow was all stuck up in the branches, and vowed to make our third run in the open.  After another climb, we repeated the well-worn ritual of switching from uphill to downhill mode.

At the bottom, we reluctantly left all the untracked runs untouched, and headed out on the traverse route to the east.  Most headed down the slot to the west of Teacup Bowl.

3 miles / 3 - 4 runs / 1700 - 2100'

View the track and stats at EveryTrail.  Zoom out to see the terrain map.

Next week is the last weekend to redeem those Loveland 4-packs, so we may end up there.  'Til then, happy turns!