2017-03-19 Doorjam and Loder Peak - BradOrr

2017-03-19 Doorjam and Loder Peak

Leon and I hiked up Doorjam and Loder Peak.. The avalanche danger across the board was at a very high level, limiting our choice of objectives. Inspite of howling winds and getting off track on some slabs we were able to make the summits for a fun day in the mountains.

DoorJam
We'd gone too far to climbers left and got stuck on the slabs.. you're supposed to be above them.
DoorJam
Another look at the insurmountable slabs. It doesn't look like much, but their steep and there isn't much to hold on to. We also had some surface ice to contend with.

DoorJam
after backtracking and bypassing the slabs we came to this junction. it was awkward and slippery with the snow and ice. We ended up going up climbers right instead of through the obvious crack on the left.

DoorJam
Getting through the crux area. There was more hands on than you'd expect for this small mountain.

DoorJam
On the ridge between Doorjam and Loder peaks there is interesting terrain to cross. Leon walks over a snow drift.

DoorJam
On the final approach to the summit of Loder peak, a bit of snow to climb for a dramatic photo.

DoorJam
Summit cairn just ahead.

DoorJam
We made it to the top of loder peak. The wind picked up and was quite gusty for the descent.. Our mountain was just on the cusp between blue sky and cloud cover. The south side of the valley was socked in and had much more snow.

DoorJam
Tricky slab on the descent.. microspikes work really well on snow and ice,. not as good on slab.