Houghton

1/13/2008

Access from Reno, NV:

Mount Rose Highway South to parking area on left side of road after Mount Rose Pass Summit

Drive Time: 28 min

Run 1:

I skinned along the Tahoe Rim Trail, then descended down towards Third Creek in order to access the east ridge of Relay Peak. The snow was surprisingly dry powder despite the warm temperatures in town.

Elevation: ~200’

Run 2:

I gained Relay Peak’s east ridge & followed it to the summit while drooling at its steep east face. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky and the views were great. Regardless of the forecasted low avalanche danger on east aspects, I decided to ski the less cross-loaded slope on the north end of Relay Peak’ east face. The snow was weather-affected powder over a strong base.

Elevation: ~559’

Relay Peak’s East Face

View from Relay Peak. Foreground: Rose Knob, Rifle Peak & Mount Baldy. Background: Lake Tahoe

Run 3:

I skinned up The Microwave’s south ridge and skied its southeast face finding buttery powder.

Elevation: ~520’

“The Microwave” & Mount Houghton

Run 4:

I skinned up Mount Houghton’s south ridge and skied its big southeast face making more buttery powder turns.

Elevation: ~1190’

Turns on Mount Houghton

Run 5:

I skinned up to the Tamarack Peak-“The Microwave” saddle then skied down Third Creek finding heavy snow in spots.

Elevation: ~840’

Total Elevation: ~3309’

Distance: ~9 miles

Time: 4 h

Map