Crater Lakes Couloir #4

4.0 ( 1 )

Trail

0.3 mile 0.5 kilometer point to point
Ski Line
Difficult

Elevation

Ascent: 0' 0 m
Descent: -402' -123 m
High: 10,968' 3,343 m
Low: 10,565' 3,220 m

Grade

Avg Slope: 26% (14°)
Max Slope: 103% (46°)

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Trail shared by Zander Göpfert

Avalanche risk for Jul 10, 2019: Unknown

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“A relatively steep couloir down to the lake with the added benefit of being fully visible from the top.”

— Zander Göpfert

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

Need to Know

The grade of this slope creates the potential for a slide.

Description

Counting the couloirs or gullies of the ridge from east to west, this appeared to be the fourth (hence "#4"). It has a somewhat disconcerting roll-over at the top, which is a great way to inspire some conversations about everyone's comfort level and the utmost trust in the snow conditions.

That said, as opposed to some of the other ski options, this couloir can be scouted from top to bottom without any cliff bands or obstacles and a long run out at the lake, in case the worst happens. There is good potential here to do another lap or to try another of the neighboring couloirs.

We were able to continue the traverse back to the approach all the way back to the car without having to transition and with minor skate skiing.

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Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Office

Sep 8, 2019: Forest Service seeks comments on Loveland Ski Area Lift Replacement

Sep 8, 2019: Temporary trail closures planned near Winter Park for forest management project

Sep 3, 2019: Forest Service investigating illegal use of fireworks on Mount Evans

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Trail Ratings

4.0 from 1 vote

#2

in East Portal/Moffat Tunnel

#302

Overall

4.0 from 1 vote

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Featured Ski Line Rankings

#2

in East Portal/Moffat Tunnel

#99

in Colorado

#302

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Photos

Trudging up the ridge through wet spring snow. Way in the background, on the left side, sits a few of Boulder's foothills; Sanitas, Flagstaff, and Green Mountain.

Trudging up the ridge through wet spring snow.…

A relatively narrow couloir that showed us what a slough-slide looks like. The view to the bottom is unobstructed, which is only slightly more comforting.

A relatively narrow couloir that showed us what…

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