Haystack Mountain
Distance: ~9.5 miles
Elevation Gain: ~3000'
Time: ~3.5 hours
Date: 3/23/2014
CAIC Avalanche Forecast: Moderate Above & Near Treeline, Low Below Treeline
Only my second day on skis this season, Haystack Mountain seemed like a reasonable objective. We made decent time along South Boulder Creek, then up the south side of the peak to its col with the Continental Divide, then briefly up to the summit. The summit was less windy than the notoriously windy East Portal Trailhead! We found great powder directly off the summit & some slightly wind-affected snow lower down.
Brian Kalet atop Haystack Mountain with the Continental Divide in the background. Photo: Martin le Roux
Brian Kalet atop Haystack Mountain with the Continental Divide in the background. Note the recent avalanche activity. Photo: Martin le Roux