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A splitter couloir with perfectly vertical walls and a perfectly straight fall line.


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Map Key

0.7

Miles

1.1

KM

Ski Line

9,304' 2,836 m

High

7,436' 2,267 m

Low

0' 0 m

Up

1,868' 569 m

Down

53%

Avg Slope (28°)

60%

Max Slope (31°)
Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry
Road closed in winter, three-mile approach to bottom of couloir.

Need to Know

Creek crossing from the road to the apron of the couloir.

Description

The most stunning line in the Rubies, this line is just that - a line. There is no need to try to decide where you're going to ski. At 14 feet wide at the top and 30 feet wide at the bottom, there's not much room to do anything else but take it turn by turn. It's not steeper than 40, averaging 37 while in the barrel of the gun. 1800 feet of fun to the creek, is more fun than the casinos you'll find in Elko, 30 minutes to the north.

Approach from Lamoille Canyon road, which is closed three miles before the couloir. This is a popular area with snowmobilers, so it is possible to hitch a ride with one on the way in/out or bring your own if you choose to do so.

History & Background

The reason for Terminal Cancer's perfectly straight appearance is in its geologic history. It formed when a vertical dike eroded away faster than the rock surrounding it.

First descents by Bard Royer and Moe Barker in 1979.

Shared By:

Ben W

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 3 votes

#273

Overall
  4.3 from 3 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
67%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
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1 Star
0%
Ski Line Rankings

#1

in Nevada

#273

Overall
292 Views Last Month
28,600 Since Apr 14, 2015
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Photos

Skiing out through the last bit of the couloir
Apr 14, 2015 near Spring…, NV
Ryan N. looking down a tracked out couloir.
Jul 25, 2015 near Spring…, NV
Like skiing down a hallway
Feb 7, 2019 near Spring…, NV
Barrel of the gun, 4/6/2019. Shin to knee deep
Jan 9, 2021 near Spring…, NV
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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