Crater Lakes Couloir #4

Name: Crater Lakes Couloir #4
Rating: 4.0

4.0 ( 1 )

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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 May 22, 2019: Considerable

Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making essential. Natural avalanches possible; human-triggered avalanches likely.

Full forecast for CAIC: Front Range Zone — Brought to you by CO Avalanche Information Center

Avy tweets from @CAICfrontrange

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Weather

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Current ascent conditions

Unknown See History

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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

GPX File

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.