The Coalpit

The Utah Transplants have made it to the Coalpit Headwall - and they can't stop going back!

We've been trying to ski the Coalpit Headwall for three years!

http://utahtransplants.blogspot.com/2014/03/getting-to-coalpit-headwall-is-tough.html

We failed twice to reach the head wall. Mostly because  2/3 of our group is from locations that don't have mountains or snow (Virginia and Texas). We eventually became moderately efficient at moving around on snow - and actually made it to the head wall, only to spend hours in the <10 foot visibility.

We've decided on the Bell's Canyon approach after our numerous attempts. While not direct @ 6 miles and 5800' - it's non-technical, so the only thing that can stop you is yourself. Which almost happened on this attempt - skinning w/ one powder basket is twice as hard.

The second best approach from a effort stand point is Coalpit direct. The downside to this approach is the avalanche exposure. It exists from all aspects at all times.

Brian skis out the apron. We were able to ski the middle line and the narrower gully lookers right. The Coalpit exit has extreme avalanche exposure from the sides of the gully - be very wary of making a late spring exit in this lower area. Name of the game is to start early - because the lower 500' before the waterfall is a dangerous place with warming snow. A good refreeze is key too - in order to bridge the creek all the way to the waterfall.

Brian nears the Coalpit from upper Bell's Canyon.

Usually in early May we have found snow and switched to skins at the upper Bell's waterfall.

This hand line seemed safer a week earlier w/ Cole. Much snow melted between then and our next trip. This is a much delayed post - from our early May exploits. Happy ski season. See you next year.