This looks quite lovely when it's full of snow. But just as a heads up for those who would attempt it when it is not, the couloir is stacked full of rocks with the average size of baseballs or maybe softballs. I chose this a descent route when I climbed Castle via the NE Ridge and only about the bottom half had snow. It was harrowing to say the least, and shockingly stupid, at worst. Finally reaching the snow was a joyous moment, but even so I was forced to use a sharp rock as an "ice axe." Later that day I received word that a woman had died on El Diente from a fall on steep loose scree, which resulted in a fractured femur and a lacerated femoral artery. I feel lucky, and learned a good lesson that day. Anyway, nice photos in the trip report, they really make me want to return when the couloir is in shape.
craigcat - Sep 27, 2007 6:24 pm - Hasn't voted
When dry...This looks quite lovely when it's full of snow. But just as a heads up for those who would attempt it when it is not, the couloir is stacked full of rocks with the average size of baseballs or maybe softballs. I chose this a descent route when I climbed Castle via the NE Ridge and only about the bottom half had snow. It was harrowing to say the least, and shockingly stupid, at worst. Finally reaching the snow was a joyous moment, but even so I was forced to use a sharp rock as an "ice axe." Later that day I received word that a woman had died on El Diente from a fall on steep loose scree, which resulted in a fractured femur and a lacerated femoral artery. I feel lucky, and learned a good lesson that day. Anyway, nice photos in the trip report, they really make me want to return when the couloir is in shape.