February 11 Smithbrook South Ski

We often ski the north side of an area known as Smithbrook, which is so named because of a dirt road that is open in the summer.  We've seen the south side in all the years that we've driven to the trailhead to go north but crossing the highway with our skis discouraged us from trying it.  However, when familiarity breeds contempt (or boredom) for the north side, we opted to explore the south side on a warm-ish day that promised tree bombs and heavy snow.  What could go wrong?

Here is our proposed route.  Note that we park on the north side of the divided highway, ski west along the bank to where the highway joins together, figure out how to get down the bank (requires a shovel to build a platform and stairs) the scoot across the highway carrying our skis.

Here's a nice slope to consider skiing on a less sloppy day.

And here it is looking up.

Some obstacles to cross.

Another obstacle.

A pretty!

Cool snow formation.

Once we got a little higher in elevation we decided to turn around.  The terrain was getting steeper, the trees were dripping which might mean some snow above us slipping down.

The ski down was difficult.  The snow was heavy, difficult to make turns, and there were a lot of obstacles to avoid.  I followed Randy down the first long pitch, fell a lot, cursed, got wet from the sloppy snow.  We reached the logging road we had followed in to my relief.

Relief was soon replaced by boredom as logging roads are long and dull, full of switchbacks that make the route longer.  I found an opening that would cut off at least one long switchback and get us down faster.  I took the first run down and found it easier to ski since I didn't have to negotiate over the lines Randy had made.  The terrain rolled sideways.  We were in a drainage and a creek was below the snow under us.  We could see the water through open holes.  Another obstacle to avoid.  Near the bottom the trees were so thick that we took off our skis and boot-packed to the last section of road.

Not too much later we reached the highway.  After we crossed, here is how we got back up the bank on the other side:

Nice toe holds!

It was an interesting day, which scouting trips usually are. Some of the terrain is inviting enough to try it again in the future.  This is the year of exploration!