Looking down the south ridge of Silver Peak towards Lake Tahoe and the Freel Peak group in the distance. In winter, beware of some good sized cornices that build on the lee slopes of the ridge. It is generally best to contour around the gendarmes where necessary only on the windward side. This is possible for all of them except the one seen here on the right side of the photo, which can only be passed on the lee side. Silver-Squaw Spire in the left foreground. December 2003.