Norris wrote:Hi alleyehave, any pictures, route details? I'm interested in more ascents from this side. Vivian Creek is getting old.
We went via South Fork Trail. At the Dollar Lake/Dry Lake Junction, go east up the drainage (where the trail marker starts). Snowshoes recommended but not required through the drainage. Veer to the right (SW) around Dry Lake, continue following the drainage up to the chutes, head East to obvious flats called Trail Flat. The ridge we took started on the saddle where the hard right (South Bound) portion starts. Gain the top of that ridge and then move to the Class 2 switchbacks up to the false summit, then 200+ ft in elevation and approximately 3/4 mi to the true summit.
We bypassed the chutes because they looked a little slabby high-up and given the high-wind warnings on Friday night. Wind loaded slabs were a possibility although highly unlikely(not enough loose snow up there to blow around). In retrospect, the conditions of the chutes were fine, but the ridge was just as fun, and probably more interesting.
My thermometer read 10-15F at night, and around the 40-50s during the day, 50 or so on the summit. Get in there while it's good. Snow condition was pretty awesome for 'pooning in the early early hours, a little less desirable around noon plus.
See ya![/img]
