TR: Birkenstock Couloir - March 29, 2013

[Neuro]

Edit: Video stoke by Andy Traslin here:



It's been unseasonably warm in South Western BC the last few days. With temperatures in Pemberton forecasted to break records, Hummus and I decided a north facing line and an early start would be in order. With that in mind, Hummus, Andy Traslin and I found ourselves drifting to sleep on the roadside around midnight last Thursday with alarms set for 5am.

We were on the move before 6am, skinning up a logging road towards Birkenhead. After about two hours first on the road then following a creek through trees our objective came into sight.

The Birkenstock Couloir, approximately 450m, 45-55°.


On the approach there were plenty of signs of point releases in the previous days due to the warm temperatures.

Another hour of skinning had us approaching the base of the couloir and starting to get a good look at things.


After a quick transition and throwing on some crampons, we started up the couloir.


Hummus on the climb.


The walls of the couloir were stained orange, making for some nice colour.

Andy on the climb


About 2/3 of the way up the couloir, we hit a short ~2.5m vertical/overhanging section of snow. We think this was probably where a small section of snow let go. We decided it would be possible to negotiate this section on skis or with a downclimb.

Hummus climbing vertical snow. Photo by Andy Traslin


Nearly at the top, the ski down does look pretty damn steep.


Negotiating the cornice at the top involved another near vertical section. Hummus and I each gave it a go at getting through before before Andy finally pulled himself up using two ice axes.

Hummus near the top


Hummus topping out. Photo by Andy Traslin


We topped out a little before noon and enjoyed the views for a while before contemplating the descent. We hacked away at the cornice enough to sideslip in a bit, before a short drop into the slope. Hummus volunteered to drop in first.

We didn't bring a rope, so the entrance involved a bit of a sketchy drop in/hip check/self arrest. Looking back on it, if we'd had a rope we probably would have used some of the rock at the top to set up an anchor and done the first few meters on a rope. Live and learn.

Hummus dropping in.


And successfully coming to a stop.


It was kind of steep




After a bit of thought, Andy and I decided to do some more work to the cornice while Hummus waited in a safe spot below. We were eventually able to sideslip in and use an ice axe as a handhold to lower ourselves over the vertical section.

I dropped in second and got a few turns at the top before regrouping with Hummus. Andy came last and showed us how it's done with some super confident steep skiing. The upper section had grippy consolidated snow.

Negotiating the second vertical section involved some more plunged ice axe hand hold lowering. Once we cleared the lower crux, it was still fairly steep, but without any hazards below us, we could finally open up a bit.

Andy ripping it.




Hummus






About 40 minutes of skiing with a bit of sidehilling had us back at the car after around 2:30.


Overall it was a pretty awesome ski. Definitely one of the more aesthetic lines in the area.

[powdork]

nice line, sweet pucker factor. funny thing is, this picture makes it look less steep than most of the others (to me)

Nearly at the top, the ski down does look pretty damn steep.

[Banh Mi]

Such a nice line man... I wish i had those(your) skills.

[LeeLau]

tunnelling thru cornices makes you a man andy. Nice photo slutting colours.

[Spooky]

That was rad, thanks.

[tone capone]

Awesome!

[AngryBeard]

Hummus dropping in.


And successfully coming to a stop.

That is not a pussy couloir to be airing into, way to go Hummus!

Good TR bud.

[powdork]

those two definitely make it look steep

[ak_powder_monkey]

serious question: what's wrong with pole straps?

[powdork]

don't want them in avy terrain/situations. i always cut mine off.

[adimmen]

very nice

[sparks]

Hummus dropping in.


And successfully coming to a stop.

Holy crap! Nice job guys

[gimpy]

outfuckingstanding!!!!!

[uniboyskiier]

Props to Hummus for the casual drop in. Good work!

[Shadam]

nice work ...

so I couldnt get my sled up it eh?

[Atraslin]

Great trip, this couloir is a SW coastal classic for sure.Top ten.
Holy drop in shot Liam. Glad you stuck it!I hope you realize TGR didn't have a heli waiting for us at the bottom. Just by chance you didn't stick the landing.

I'm bringing a rope next time!

[klar]

rad line. interesting drop in technique. yay for the current return of trs!

[xyz]

serious question: what's wrong with pole straps?

serious question: are you serious?

[neufox47]

Wow, epic line. Just one question, where's the GoPro footy!? That's some POV I'd be stoked to see.

[nortonwhis]

Awesome work !

[Spark]

Hot damn!! Great mission!!

[Neuro]

Wow, epic line. Just one question, where's the GoPro footy!? That's some POV I'd be stoked to see.

I think Andy or Hummus will be putting something together that I'll link to.

[PNWbrit]

Nice.... sticking the landing looked somewhat essential

[OyamaGirl]

Outstanding! Way to push through the difficulties and problem solve - I'm stoked to see it all worked out.

[mtraslin]

Good one. Glad it worked out.