Gib Chute from Gib Rock via Gib Ledges

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DonJuanPakistan
Trippin' travellin'.
from Seattle, Washington
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Gib Chute from Gib Rock via Gib Ledges

Post by DonJuanPakistan »

Left car at Paradise at 6:00am. High nighttime temps are keeping lower slopes from refreezing completely, with marginally supportable crust until reaching the snowfield proper.

From Camp Muir I was able to skin, without ski crampons, the entire upper Cowlitz to the start of Gibraltar Ledges thanks to rapidly softening snow in the early sun.

The ledges were in good shape with two rock crossings -- the rest looks to be melting rapidly. Stood on top of Gibraltar Rock at 10:45am and began skiing shortly thereafter.

Above the choke of Gib Chute, I took a few moments to contemplate the Nisqually ice cliff's disposition. It seemed temporarily sedate, so I committed and skied perfectly softened (though slightly brown) corn down the chute, glancing over my should every few turns to watch for falling debris. I traversed skier's left to cross the begschrund and shortly rejoined the snowfield.

I was contemplating taking the descent to the bridge so I dropped into one of the Nisqually chutes. The chutes seemed to be below the overnight refreeze level as they held unwelcoming semi-supportable crust. I decided against descending further and bailed left to regain the exit track of the snowfield.

Back at the car after 5:20 and 7,260' of kick ass skiing. Booyakashaaaaa :P

Rocks and ice along the ledge.
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Little T from Gib Rock. Do not attempt to adjust your television sets.
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Hippy death metal.
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klar
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Re: Gib Chute from Gib Rock via Gib Ledges

Post by klar »

cool. why is your snow brown? we have sahara dust...

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skykilo
olikyks
from Santa Fe
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Re: Gib Chute from Gib Rock via Gib Ledges

Post by skykilo »

Seems like you're using the max-fun style on Rainier this year.

casruff
casruff

Re: Gib Chute from Gib Rock via Gib Ledges

Post by casruff »

Nice Drew!

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