Purple Bowl Off-trail Skiing on 3-Jan-2012
Seven of us left the Fish Creek Parking lot shortly after 9 am and proceeded up the ski-out and past the ski area to start up the trail to Purple Bowl. There was only a remnant ski track up the trail which disappeared when we reached the meadow. Ski penetration was typically 20 cm, so it was good to have lots of trail breakers. We reached the usual col on the ridge and found good snow on the east-facing slopes, but minimal snow on west and north-facing slopes and sink holes across the boulder field below the ridge. We also noted avalanche debris in several of the gullies on the west side of Redoubt. The sun came out briefly at the top of the ridge, where we had lunch to enjoy the views.
Maria reaching top of Purple Bowl ridge
Lunch stop with Philip, Sue, Terry, Kerry, Maria and Clifton
The very top of the ridge was windblown, but conditions lower down were good.
Philip pushing off from the top of the ridge on our third run
Soon the sun disappeared and we had an early return in snowy conditions returning to the cars by about 3 pm.
Snowy exit from the Purple Bowl meadows
Looking back at the upper bowl during our return
Some (actually only one) were disappointed that we didn't even get to use headlamps! Thanks to Maria, Sue, Kerry, Terry and Clifton for an enjoyable trip. Doug (C/S/P)
