Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Attempted the first ever recorded, solo splitboard ascent/descent of the Southeast Couloir on Campbell Basin Lodge. A mid-spring storm combined with Ski Patrol's annual end-of-season party meant the couloir would be uncontested with excellent riding conditions.

For those unfamiliar with the Northeast Couloir: it's a non-technical, non-geologic, non-narrow, non-couloir fixed atop the Campbell Basin Lodge in the heart of Campbell Basin at Crystal Mountain Resort (see picture). The lodge was built in 2004 near the top of the old Campbell Basin chairlift which delivered non-Ikon passholders to the basin for the first time in 1970. Beginning in 2021, the lodge began serving as a supply depot and kitchen for those visiting Crystal Mountain's "Sky Camps." These often windy, sometimes well-appointed, premiere glamping destinations (situated in a dusty bowl) were discontinued in 2023. Skiers and riders visiting the couloir during normal operating hours should take note of the nearby Ski Patrol shack just past the lift to the south (see picture).

Dug a pit all the way to the shingles of Campbell Basin Lodge on a 15-degree, southeast face at 6250' elevation. I dug the pit near the chimney since it's an excellent landmark and close to a ladder which provided easier access and a chimney that helped block the wind (see picture). It was stormy and cold with high winds (see picture). HS60, right-side-up pack with I-K-P-4F hardness profile equally spaced every glove length or so; ECTf. I forgot to do an ECT after losing my study lens (the pit kept filling with fresh snow and my hands were numb from the wind).

The Southeast Couloir and surrounding terrain rode great! The Northwest Couloir looked even better and probably could be ridden safely during normal operating hours (see picture).