May 15, 2021
Torreys Peak 14,267’
Dead Dog Couloir
Ryan, Laura, Isaac, Nicole and I all went to climb Dead Dog today. Ryan is tuning up for Mt. Hood the following week so he wanted some snow and elevation since he lives in Texas. Driving up the road, we pushed as far as we felt we could without getting stuck in the deep and soft snow on the road to the upper trailhead.
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| Adjusting gear and shoes as we started the hike |
The basin that surrounds you is beautiful and holds several peaks we have climbed recently – Edwards, Grays, Torreys, Kelso Mtn. As we passed the summer trailhead for the mountain, we crossed the bridge and strapped on snowshoes. The approach was good as we took it easy letting Ryan move at a pace he was comfortable with.
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Peaceful basin below Grays and Torreys
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| Isaac and Nicole in the basin |
We reached the base of the couloir and switched to crampons sometime around 9:30 am. The snow was softening and wet slides were evident. We tried to move as quickly as possible but still had some wet snow pushed on us by skiers dropping into the top of the couloir.
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| Looking up the couloir at Nicole and Laura |
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| Looking down Dead Dog couloir at Justin and Ryan |
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| Interesting snow patterns as we're ascending Dead Dog couloir |
Summiting around noon, the weather was beginning to turn for the worse so we walked off the mountain and glissaded back into the basin before making the slushy hike out back to the car. Add another 14er to Ryan’s list and another great day in the mountains for everyone!
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| Near the top of Dead Dog Couloir |
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Summit of Torreys Peak
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| Descent from Torreys Peak |
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| Menacing clouds moving in, glad we're headed down. |
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