The Ulrich’s Couloir on Mount Stuart is one of those Cascade Classic backcountry lines. Being a continuous 4’200 foot south facing run it is both aesthetic and fun. Being the second tallest non volcanic peak in the Cascades and isolated to the eastern side its view alone rivals most other peaks. With a forecast that called for a bit of snow before clearing up in late April there was a chance to get powder on the line. Knowing this Jason Hummel and I were off on a drive to the Eastern Side to attempt to ride the Ulrich’s Couloir.

Heading up Beverly Creek in a Wind Storm

The forecast called for partly cloudy skies as we drove up the Teanaway road towards Beverly Creek. Through the car window we could see clouds moving fast but I though nothing of it. Arriving at the trailhead the moment I opened the door I was blasted by wind. I had hoped for weeks to get clear skies and it was here but I had forgot to mention anything about the winds.

As we made our way up Beverly Creek ice pelted our faces from the west. We were able to loosely follow what appeared to be a trail but it didn’t matter as it was under 5 feet of snow. As we broke trail and had to shout to hear each other we wondered if we had made the right call. Soon enough we were up on the col and searching for a sheltered spot to put up the tent. During the night we fell asleep to the constant howl of the wind. Between the trees and the rattling of the tent wall we wondered what we were getting in to. Sure we could see Mount Stuart and the Ulrich’s Couloir in the distance but what was the point if we got blown off the summit.

Waking up in the Morning to go Ski the Ulrich’s Couloir on Mount Stuart

Early in the morning the winds finally died down as we made our way out of tent. Looking across the valley we were happy that the line hadn’t melted out yet and it was worth the effort. After a few minutes of breakfast we rode two miles downhill towards the base of Mount Stuart. After around 30 minutes of riding through the trees and traversing we had made it to the base of the Cascadian Couloir.

I had climbed this route up Mount Stuart two weeks earlier with my friend Boot and knew what to expect. It was still relatively early in the morning with firm snow so we threw on our crampons and started climbing. With each step it was a few inches of new snow with ice underneath but the higher we climbed the better it got. With every step, the views became more dramatic as we looked among the Central Cascades with Rainier looming in the distance. The snow was accumulating as we climbed higher, turning into over a foot deep for the last 1,000 feet to the false summit.

Making our way to the Summit of Mount Stuart

It was early afternoon by the time we reached the false summit . The only thing in our way from the top of Mount Stuart and Ulrich’s Couloir was a 2,000 foot traverse. With two ice axes in hand we made our way across the steep face a step at a time. Fortunately by now it was deep snow and easy to navigate around the rhime encrusted rocks.

Within 20 minutes of being on the false summit we were making the final steps to the top of Mount Stuart. From there it would be a fall line descent of Ulrich’s Couloir and hopefully we would be back at the car before dark. Heading to the top we were surrounded by peaks sticking out in every direction. We were walking to the crown of Alpine Lakes Wilderness and it had become some of the best conditions you can ask for.

Snowboarding Ulrich’s Couloir on Mount Stuart

Looking down Ulrich’s Couloir we were happy to see that it was powder. It was still early in the day but since it was south facing we were a bit concerned with the sun. It was a committing line being basically one big avalanche chute so we cut the slope first. The snow below us seemed stable so it was time to start riding.

I dropped in and immediately it was obvious the upper slopes were going to ride amazing. Though it was a bit heavy snow it was deep and smooth making my way down. Knowing that the line went I rode 1,000 feet and onto a high ridge before waiting for Jason to head down.

As we started getting lower in the line the snow was changing consistency. Riding in the middle of the line it was become corn snow which was just soft enough. On the lips though it was still wind loaded powder so I stuck to that area. Being the perfect pitch for the entirety of the run it just kept going for what felt like forever.

Before long we wrapped around the bend of Ulrich’s Couloir and it started feeling more like an actual couloir. The massive rock walls of Mount Stuart rose towards the sky as we made our way between them. By now it was corn for the bottom 2,000 feet but still amazing. With a little bit of route finding through the lower section we were riding all the way to the valley floor.

Arriving in the Ingalls Creek Basin

After 4,200 vert of fall line turns we were at the base of Ulrich’s Couloir and celebrating. It had been an even better run than I had imagined and it was great to see 2 tracks heading down. After getting some water out of Ingalls Creek it was time to head back to our campsite.

Heading Back Towards Beverly Creek and the Car

We skinned back to camp with Mount Stuart basking in the afternoon sun. Occasionally we would look back as we kept moving towards the col where our overnight gear was waiting. Before long our bags were packed and it was time to start making our way towards the car, It would be a race against the darkness as we started riding down Beverly Creek.

Before long we were back at the car and throwing our gear in the car. It had been a great day made even better without the use of headlamps. This was a line I had been interested in for years and it was great to finally ride Ulrich’s Couloir on Mount Stuart.

Stats: 19 miles

elevation gain: 10,000 feet

Dates: April 21 & 22

Here is Jason’s write up of the trip

Thank you for reading this trip riding Ulrich’s Couloir on Mount Stuart. If you want to see more ski tours within the Snoqualmie Pass Backcountry check out this link.