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Steep northeast couloirs tucked into a corner of the William's Lake basin.


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Map Key

0.2

Miles

0.3

KM

Ski Line

12,319' 3,755 m

High

11,864' 3,616 m

Low

0' 0 m

Up

455' 139 m

Down

40%

Avg Slope (22°)

53%

Max Slope (28°)
Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

Overview

For an experienced backcountry rider this is a great area for summer riding—with most winter storms the cliffs between and above these chutes act like a sluice and catch snow whenever winds are blowing from the west, northwest, north or southeast creating a deep snowpack in this bowl that's one of the last areas to melt out, usually towards the middle of July, and after a good snow year it can stick around well into August.

The lines are pretty straight-forward; you can see them from afar and know if they're rideable or not as you approach.

Need to Know

As with every zone in the Taos backcountry this is steep, complex avalanche terrain, use common sense and know how to travel safely before attempting to ride it—this isn't a place to try new things or push your comfort level. Medical assistance and/or rescue, if even possible will require several hours or more.

Description

There are five main chutes and a handful of tribs compose this series of steep northeast-facing couloirs at the top of a large slide path below Sin Nombre's northwest ridge. Steep granite walls tower above the chutes and hold snow well into summer. During the winter months cornices form along the ridge, entry from above may require a rappel. During the spring the best route is to access the slopes from any of the lower approaches via the Williams Lake Trail then climb the line you want to ride.

Contacts

Shared By:

J. Bella

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 1 vote

#523

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  4.0 from 1 vote
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Ski Line Rankings

#38

in New Mexico

#523

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66 Since Nov 11, 2019
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Photos

Sin Nombre's rugged northeast slopes on July 10th, 2019, after a typically average snowfall season
Nov 11, 2019 near Taos Sk…, NM

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