Trip Report: Off Piste Nordic Ski Tour: Exploratory/Uintas
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Off Piste Nordic Ski Tour: Exploratory/Uintas By Kathleen Waller |
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| SKI | 12/23/2025 | NTD |
| Kathleen W, Maegan D, Sam Z, Mike B, and two dogs (Cora and Iko) explored another forest road near the summit of SR 35 (aka Wolf Creek Pass). This road is marked on many maps as Silver Meadows Road. We did an efficient and effective departure check to make sure we had the proper gear, had a plan appropriate for weather and avalanche conditions with a 1:30 pm turn around time, discussed communication, and performed a transceiver check. Due to the UAC forecast, we chose to avoid all terrain above 30 degrees or within run out zones. We skinned the forest road to a short low angle knoll above a sheep corral. For educational purposes, we practiced taking macro and micro slope measurements using Waller's new BCA inclinometer and the equilateral triangle ski pole method. After turns on soft snow, we headed further along the forest road and soon left the road for some meadow trekking to another knoll sighted on OnX. Collapsing was noticed frequently as we stomped across meadows. We discussed the educational opportunity and chose to dig a pit to see the sound makers. We found two distinct PWLs with smaller wafers of crust. Our observations agreed with the UAC forecast and recently posted observations. We found one more skiable line just beyond a group of burnt pines. We enjoyed the upper half of this run but found the lower run had undulations up to 32 degrees. We discussed our options and picked our ways carefully one at a time toward the safety of lower angle terrain. We joined back up with the forest road and headed back toward our cars. On the return, Sam and Mike got a couple more turns above the sheep corral while Waller watched with an exhausted Cora and Maegan with Iko raced toward her car to make an afternoon holiday party. Waller, Sam, and Mike finished the day at Mirror Lake Diner with good food and conversation about what we did well and what we could have done better. Conversation got deep when we discussed the 32 degree roll over and good choices versus luck. We missed this micro measurement looking at OnX and only noticed it when just above it. We had good group dynamics and constructive conversations but I wonder if we made the correct decision to pick our way down the terrain versus turning back uphill. The overall day was positive with beautiful views and great weather. The educational experiences and conversations were of upmost value. |
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