At this time of year when I approach White Pine Lake, it's about 50/50 if I actually get to the lake. I'm sitting within 100 meters of the dam on a boulder for lunch. I traversed a major snow field to get here.
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Behind me is the actual trail, buried under snow. The trail as it exits the trees is about a mile of exposure, open to tumbling rock, snow rollers (roller balls), and wet sluf avalanches. Red Baldy from the Valley looked pretty clear of snow which gave indication the trail could be safe. Err, yeah, no! Not yet. A few rollers, cartoon like, have come down since I got here. These didn't quite across the trail or path I would have taken but, why chance it. The day is warming up and the danger is increassing. Evidence of activity from yesterday can be seen in the photo.
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The glare off the phone made it hard to see if I got this image smartly.
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I do like this boulder field and basin. This area reminds me how small I am in the grand scheme of things. It also reminds me that humans can impact the landscape. Just on the other side of this mountain is Snowbird Ski resort. They've changed their section of mountain from pristine to less than something. I'd love to see this canyon designated as wilderness to protect it.
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As I sit here and as one may read this, if I'm within 100 meters of the dam why don't I go there? Easy, I've got a deep ravine before the face. The dam is actually small and is part of someone's water rights, which may have held this area up in the past from becoming wilderness to my understanding. The slope is such if one made an 'L' with one hand, from the top joint to the thumb tip is the approximate slope. The slope the trail crosses below is the angle appropriate tip of the finger to tip of the thumb. Both slopes today are yeah, no's.
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I think I'll just nap a little longer. I've already put hot noodles and tea away from lunch.
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Anyone up form some spring time sledding? We may have two more weeks of this snow up here.
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Hike wise and leave no trace of your travels.
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