Recently in Announcements Category

Avy Class Report

user-pic

Nine club members had a great time and learned lots in an AIARE I (Avy I) course.  The club commissioned Pro Guiding of North Bend for the class.

BWs with Pro Guide Solveig on rt.We had two evening classroom sessions - facilities graciously provided by Merrill Design - where we did our book learning. Then on the weekend of January 28-29, we headed for the hills of Snoqualmie Pass to put our knowledge to work.

BWs with Pro  Guide David on rt.On Day 1 it was up the Source Lake basin, which gave us a great chance to evaluate avalanche terrain in a popular backcountry destination. We skiied and snowshoed up to the Snow Lake divide at 4500', where we used our transceivers to rescue many a buried backpack. We did well, excavating all within the requisite 15 minutes that enables a high survival rate.

A lesson on the snow pitDay 2 took us to Hyak, as it turns out in the torrential rain, where we made snow pits to analyze the complex snowfall over the last few weeks. We took away the message that, while you can look at many details, it is the big picture you want to develop. It includes the NWAC forecast, the weather, the terrain, the snowpack, and the folks you are traveling with.

BWs figuring it out       I think we all agreed we found the lessons valuable in making winter backcountry travel fun and safer. And we had some nice bonuses on our outings - beautiful scenery in the Source Lake basin and a great gear check while weathering the downpour at Hyak!

The course grads are:
Tomas M.
Robert M.
Philip S.
Lynne M.
Peter D.
Brandon H.
Dan S.
Celese S.
Patrick S.

Thanks to all for participating - it's great to have outing buds that are not only enjoyable but well-trained!

Snow Shelters Clinic

user-pic

We will be heading out for an overnight trip where tents are not needed. We will practice building T-type snow caves or A-frame shelters and then to make it more fun we will sleep in what we build.  No experience needed but club membership is required.

The clinic will be Saturday Feb 25Th and Sunday Feb 26Th.

To sign up, email us at bwcc_information "at" bushwhackerclimbingclub.org.

Chris K

2012 Leadership Course enrollment opens

user-pic
Greetings folks,

Enrollment for this Spring's Wilderness Leadership Course is officially open.  The dates are March 6 through April 10.  Instructors will be Philip S with Chris K and Cale H.

The Leadership Course is for those of you who have completed either the Basic Glacier Climbing Course, Scramble/Backcountry Travel Course, or equivalent. It is not only a great opportunity to learn the finer points of being a better leader in the wilderness, but it is also a great way to connect with the club, and better qualify yourself to lead club outings and assist with classes.

The application deadline is February 13. Tuition is $250 and includes books, maps and tee shirt.  The Course involves 5 classroom sessions, three outings, (including one overnighter), and a graduation night & final discussion

To apply for enrollment email:
"bwcc_information" at "bushwhackerclimbingclub.org"

Questions about the course?  Please feel free to email us.

Thanks,
Philip S

Ten Years in the Pickets

user-pic
The Bushwhacker Climbing Club is proud to present a slideshow by Seth P, Friday night February 24, Ten Years in the Pickets: A North Cascades Apprenticeship

The Pickets are a group of rugged peaks in the North Cascades considered by many to be the toughest to access with some of the best climbing in the west.  Seth P, one of the founders of the club, a great climber and a wonderful photographer, will show photos from his ten years of visiting the area.  You will not want to miss this event! 

Club members, watch your email inbox for an evite with details.  See you there!

January Ski Night

user-pic

This past Thursday, the 19th was the official BWCC ski night for January.

BWCC January Ski Night at SnoqualmieJust in time for making some turns, Mother Nature slammed us with a couple feet of new snow on the hill. We braved the elements and were duly rewarded with piles and piles of fresh pow! We cranked tele-turns through the mildly heavy, but heavenly snow until our legs gave out, then caught up over beers back at Whiskey Pete's.

Thanks to those who made it, and almost made it!

Keep an eye on your email for the BWCC February Ski Night. - We're gonna go for it one more time!

Cheers,
-Philip

Skyline Ridge Ski

user-pic

The snow is finally here, Fred R and I will be leading a ski tour on Saturday Jan 28th up at Stevens pass area.  The plan is to head up to Skyline Lake and drop off into the back country for a few laps but if conditions change the route might also.

Everyone on the trip will need a transceiver, probes, a shovel, skis and skins.

If you are interested let me know.

Chris K

Mission Ridge Ski Trip

user-pic
Hey Bushwhackers, for the third year in a row we'll be heading out to Wenatchee to ski at Mission Ridge & visit/stay at R & M's house. The dates are March 17 & 18.
We always have a great time on this trip & our hosts are just about the nicest folks you'd ever want to meet!

Limit of 12 people for this trip so sign up soon!  Club members check your email for the registration link.

See ya then, then!
Doug H

VW meet up

user-pic
Come out and join Andy, Cale and me on Tuesday Jan 24th to climb the walls of the new Vertical World Seattle. We were there a few weeks ago and the new climbing gym is great with 40+ foot walls.
 
We are planning to get there around 6:30 and climb till around 8:30. 
 
Hope to see you there.
 
Chris K

Ski Night at Snoqualmie

user-pic
Hi Everyone!  Its gonna snow and we're gonna go skiing on Thursday night!

Its January's official Bushwhacker Climbing Club ski night.

What's better than a little time unwinding after work on the slopes? Meet up with friends, crank some turns, have a beer!

Where: Summit at Snoqualmie, Summit West
When: Thursday Jan 19th 6:00pm 'till close (10pm)

Summit West off I-90 has a pretty good mix of terrain for beginners through advanced, its easy to run into folks, (hopefully not literally), and the Timberwolf pub makes a good gathering point for folks who wanna hang out over a beer.

Its supposed to snow all next week... let's hope we get some fluffy pow for Thursday!  Feel free to contact me if you think you can make it. - not required though.

See you on the hill.
-Philip S
Bushwhacker Board Member, and ski guy

BWCC Avy Course

user-pic

Greetings Bushwhackers,
We're organizing an Avy 1 course that will be taught by a local well known guiding outfit in North Bend. The course will consist of 2 classroom evenings, then 2 days on the snow, most likely at Alpental. The snow travel can be done either on skis or snowshoes. You will be introduced to topics such as mountain weather, different snow packs, tour planning, hazard recognition and evaluation, snow pack analysis, transceiver search and more.

You will need a transceiver, probe and snow shovel. Often these items can be borrowed within the club, if you don't already have them. We're targeting Jan 28-29 for the snow session. 

Though there's a number of avalanche training courses out there, we know this one is well done, and you have the opportunity to have a private class with your outing buddies. Get in touch as soon as possible if you're interested, and we'll pin down the reservation.
 
In hopes of great snow!
Patrick S,
BW
CC Board Member