Timp Traverse

Timp Traverse
From Provo Canyon to American Fork Canyon

On Friday, the Dorais brothers, Chad Ambrose and I traversed Mt. Timpanogos.  We went South to North, from Provo Canyon to American Fork Canyon, going up a west facing couloir, across the ridge, and out Cold Fusion.  From afar, the "Sleeping Maiden" is a bit intimidating--almost too beautiful and wild to dare to approach.  Over the years, and not without a few rejections, I've become somewhat acquainted with her; although, I'd be lying if I said that she's not still intimidating.  Certainly, she deserves respect.

Jason Dorais, paying respect.  He's single by the way.

Stats:

Yours Truly reaching the True Summit (and)
tying Chad's lone Montrail running shoe to
the apex of the hut.  (photo: Andy Dorais)

• Time: 9 hrs 53 minutes
• Distance: 15.3 miles
• Elevation Gain: 9,457 ft
• Elevation Loss: 8,471 ft
• Max Elevation: 11,733 ft
• Miles on dirt: 3
• Miles above 11k: 5
• Summits: Timp South, Timp True, Bomber Peak, Timp North, and a couple other 11k+ nubs
• Partners: Andy Dorais, Jason Dorais, Chad Ambrose
• Monster Avalanche Crowns observed: 4
• Offerings unintentionally made to the Sleeping Maiden: 1 shoe, 1 pair of gloves, 1 Dynafit ski crampon, 1 bag of Gu Chomps
• Offerings intentionally made to the Sleeping Maiden: 1 shoe, proudly flying on the top the summit hut 
• Food consumed: 1.75 liters of sports drink, 1 coke, 2 bags of Chomps, 1 gu, 2 Snickers, trail mix, 1 bag of jerky
• Gear: I was on Dynafit Broad Peaks with La Sportiva RT Bindings with Dynafit DyNA boots.  This ski setup is about 1 pound heavier (per foot) than my race skis, but makes the DH and skinning (more stable, more surface area) a bit more bearable.  The high heel lifters on the RT bindings came in handy on the 6000 ft+ climb up west Timp.  Andy and Chad were on BD Gurus.  Jason was on Dynafit Nanga Parbats.   

The East-ish aspects of Timp were awesome.  I saw at least 4 very large avalanche crowns.  Notice the crown on the peak in the background.  I think these were caused by cornice fall.  (Photo: Jason Dorais) 

The East Ridge viewed from the South.  

The west facing aspect of Timp--the side we traversed--was frozen solid.
It was slick and scary on skis without ski crampons.