Juneuary

WARNING: The following contains a full-on complain-fest. 

Beautiful Bulletproof Ice

“Now is the winter of our discontent.” I have no actual recollection of what Shakespeare meant by that line, but it probably had to do with really marginal snow conditions. Most of Oregon is hovering around 15% snowpack, despite average precipitation. January produced hardly a flake of snow, and most of the snow from those Christmas Storms has melted (at least below 6000 feet). We were left with little more than uninspiring spring-like conditions, but without the warmth or sunlight to get an actual corn cycle going. Meanwhile, the flatlands of the East Coast were pummeled by snowstorm after snowstorm. What a waste.

Home in Hemlocke Butte

In any event, Juneuary was not without skiing entirely. During the first week of January, the traditional crew made its annual trip down to the Hemlock Butte cabin at the base of Mt. Bailey. Despite the promising late December storms, we arrived at the hut with a minimal snowpack and warm, humid temps. We only did one full day of skiing. Most of the mountain was sheet ice. However, in a few protected areas, we found snow soft enough to make a few turns. While Mt. Bailey did not truly deliver the goods this time, the views were spectacular, and the company was as good as it gets. This year we skied primarily in the East Bowl.

The crew ascends the SE Ridge of Mt. Bailey with Mt. Thielsen in the background 

 There was significant discussion over whether the North side would be sufficiently protected to hold some cold snow. However, the risk of dropping in on a 40 degree, 2000 foot sheet of ice was beyond what we were prepared for that day. So instead we made a few laps and headed back to the hut for beers, dinner, and a night of typical backcountry shenanigans.

A native of Vermont, Andy was quite at home on the icy slopes

Over the next few weekends, I made a few trips up Palmer and to Illumination saddle…you know, to stay in shape just in case it every snows again in Oregon. The saddest thing about all of this is that Oregon is an incredible place. I could be out mountain biking, surfing, or kayaking. Any yet for some reason I feel compelled to continue skiing marginal snow. Do I need help? Please don’t answer that question.

Here’s to a super-deep February!

Jared finding patches of soft light and soft snow