Cascade-Johannesburg Couloir
From Wikid Steeps
Contents |
Route Photos
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Description
A rare treat for the Cascades: this magnificent couloir offers a big, pure fall line with direct access from Cascade River Road.
Much ado about objective danger in the lower couloir due to the Sill Glacier can be found in climbing lore, but experience from ski descents over recent years seems to indicate that wintry conditions make this risk minimal. Nevertheless, aspiring skiers would be well advised to climb quickly through the lower third of the route. Be wary of windslabs near the col.
To access, drive Cascade River Road as far as it is open, park, and hike the remaining road to the base of the route. The bottom 3rd is typically avalanche debris, the second third leads you above the Sill Glacier on steeper terrain (40-45 degrees) and the final bit averages over 50 and can be a wallow up deep snow in winter.
Details
| Mountain | Johannesburg | |
| Aspect | North | |
| Local Relief | 3,800 ft (1,158 m) | |
| Ski descent from | Cascade-Johannesburg Col to Cascade River | |
| Average Slope 1 | Vertical | Source |
| 52° | 440 ft (134 m) | Route Topo-red line |
| Average Slope 2 | Vertical | Source |
| 39° | 2640 ft (805 m) | Route Topo-black line |
| Approach | Cascade River Road | |
Documented Descents
- There are rumors of bygone descents, which would not be surprising given the unbeatable access.
- 2003.04.18: Ski descent by Jason Hummel and Sky Sjue
- 2009.04.15: Ski descent by Dan Helmstadter
- 2009.04.16: Ski descent by Jason Hummel and Christy Kinney (CascadeCrusades).
Climb/Ski Photos
Route Topo
