Wet Slide Alley

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

One of the steepest lines into Rocky Basin, this is also a shortcut into the basin that avoids the crux ridge to Session's Peak.

Getting out of the basin is almost as hard as getting into it, and if you get into it after realizing that things are not quite stable, then you don't have any really safe options for getting out.

For example, if you go down the drainage to connect with the Kenny Creek Trail, then you have to think about terrain traps. Alternatively, climbing up the drainage has you traveling in avalanche terrain longer before you gain the high ground (the ridge), but the run-outs are in some cases clean (free of obstacles and terrain traps), which is a case for that type of exit being of lesser consequence.

Don't overstay your welcome. The rocks in the basin (hence the name), contribute to the warming of the snow.

Rocky Basin has so much potential as can be seen from this one descent into its center. It's not to be taken lightly, however, as it is one of the steeper lines in the area. As is the case with the entire drainage, it has enough solar component to its aspect that catching it in good condition can be a challenge. When it's good, though, it's really, really good.

This run could be thought of as an alternative to the difficult and time-consuming ridge traverse leading to Session's Peak, the highest point touching Rocky Basin. Once descended, you could then re-ascend to the opposite side of the basin and then climb the south ridge leading to the peak. There are so many different line choices along the way. So many lines, so little time.

I've come to learn to appreciate this place despite the difficulty in its approach, and in finding it in good condition. The lines are aesthetic, it feels remote, and it's not often visited, except perhaps by the WPBG, which I saw touch down on the aforementioned south ridge for a moment, before rolling off to the east.