That Lady is Shady….better use protection
Jackson riders Don Watkins and Jason Smith got into the Shady Lady Couloir on a frozen, sticky and slabby New Year’s Eve to close out 2010. They roped up to cut the entrance because it looked pregnant. As you can see from the photos this was a wise decision. They really only had the top 4-5” move, but without being on a rope this situation would have felt pretty sketchy, particularly given the terrain trap below.
The odd looking tracks visible in the gut of the line were made several minutes prior by 3 skiers who chose to drop in unroped and practically on top of each other on the opposite side of the couloir, triggering a similar pocket of soft slab in the process.
Make 2011 a safe and happy year in the backcountry!
Photos: Don Watkins
Category: Educate
Can’t stress this point enough. When in doubt, ROPE UP! Thanks for the reminder.
We roped up on an anchor recently to ski cut a chute near the ski area. When our roped rider was already on the snow, two people cut past him and undercut the slope with no result!!!! I later cut at the apex once they were clear out the chute as well as vocalizing my displeasure. I think they got the point.
Ski cutting on a rope is great if you know what you’re doing and others don’t poach the line while you are working.
Nice pics! how was the belay created?
oh, I see know
burly line, well done guys. way to be safe.
Good Kharma keeps the wheel turning…
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