[Randy]

With a strong group of 5, we were able to make a winter ascent of what's known as Middle Chiwaukum (Mid C) or Point 7423' on Saturday. We had to park short of the normal road end, but other than that our route was nice and direct.

Mid C

Don, Martin, Mike, Jeff, and myself left the car around 0800 and walked 1.75 miles along the road to the Whitepine Creek TH. Here we shot left into the tress and began the long grind upward. The snow was reasonably firm with very little new snow in trees. Around 3600' we got on an obvious NW trending ridge and followed it up to about 5600' where we finally put on snowshoes.

End of the Boot Slog

We continued SE with the views getting a bit better and the wind a lot stronger.

Working to Point 7132', ~6200'

Mike on the Ridge

At 6800', we dumped the snowshoes and booted the rest of the way. We ascended to near the top of Point 7132' then down to the saddle NE of Mid C.

Mike Negotiates Rocks at 7000'

Jeff and Don Below Point 7132'

The winds were fierce (~40mph) with stronger gusts mixed in. More than once we were forced to go to our knees to keep from being blown over. At the final bit of ridge below the summit, we put on crampons to ascend a steepish snow slope.

Taking in the Conditions

A Stop for Crampons

The last 200' to the top were done mostly on front points and hands to maintain balance in the wind.

Don Just Below the Summit

Mike and Jeff Booting the last Few Feet

We had a 1-minute break from the wind on top, just enough time to sign the register. Hopefully I spelled everyone's name right.

The Register

We descended the same route with more wind. I had to ration the amount of pictures as every time it would take 10 minutes for my fingers to warm up again. Doing the math, the wind chill was around -15º F.

Don Fighting the Wind on the Return

Blowing Snow and a Distant Figure Between Mid C and Point 7132'

On the way back we essentially went over Point 7132' then desnded back to the snowshoes.

Martin Back at the Snowshoes

Martin, Jeff and Point 7132'

The rest of the route out went fast and the sun even made an appearance or two.

Jeff and Don on the Return

Middle Chiwaukum

The Ridge Descent

We reached the road again at 1700 and got back to the car just as it was getting dark. Overall, another fun winter trip into the Backcourt.

Back at the Road

Numbers: 10 miles, 5500'

[wildernessed]

Awesome TR and pics, we had the same high winds, my camera finger ungloved lasted maybe 10 - 15 seconds before I couldn't feel it, or move it to push the shutter button.

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Living in the Anthropocene

[MLHSN]

Strong work guys

The wind was a little chilly for us at 5000'.  I can imagine it wasn't much fun above 7000'

[Layback]

Right on guys.  Looks chilly.   

[Tom_Sjolseth]

Nice work.  You guys have a lot of energy.

[Jeff]

That sounds brutal. I saw the forecast for winds and defered my hiking until Sunday. Nice job though.

[ragman and rodman]

That is some serious snotcicles on Don.

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Always remember that you are unique.  Just like everybody else.

[Tazz]

whoo hoo!!  good stuff there you guys!  You mean you didn't wanna hang out in the 10 degree temps and 40mph winds?... wimps! 

[Matt]

Great trip, guys.

Anyone else want to try it in good weather sometime?

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“As beacons mountains burned at evening.” J.R.R. Tolkien

[Magellan]

Good Lord, that was a hell of an effort!  Three groups signed in 2008, and you guys put in a winter ascent.  I'm pretty sure I would have cried for my mommy.  Really strong work!     

Looking good Don!

[Mike Collins]

I didn't have my thinking cap on straight in preparation for this climb. Often I wear a pair of liner gloves beneath the thick outer pair. They serve to protect the skin from exposure to the cold when taking off the outer pair. The liners would have greatly facilitated us when putting on crampons in the unrelenting wind that shrink-wrapped around us. I will toss them in next time out as the added weight is negligible.

[John Morrow]

[Randy]

Hey John, count me in for a ski trip. It looked great on Saturday, especially some of the drop-in opportunities from the ridge top.

[wildernessed]

[cartman]

Strong work, fellas!