Avalanche Ravine Snowshoe

Avalanche Ravine on the NW side of Mount Tripyramid is one of my go-to destinations early in the winter season.  The approach on the smooth Livermore Trail is rock-free, a plus when the snow is powdery with no base. Snow cover is usually excellent out in the ravine, where a favorite snowshoe bushwhack route to the two forks of the North Slide beckons. 

Livermore Trail was very quiet on this cold midweek day.

White Cascade on Slide Brook was a frothing blend of ice and flowing water. Wouldn't want to try crossing here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Slide Brook above White Cascade.

Shared use.

 

The clearing at Avalanche Camp, used by Parker-Young Company in the 1930s/1940s.

The long and winding road.

When heading into Avalanche Ravine, I usually bushwhack along the north side of Avalanche Brook, parallel to the Mount Tripyramid Trail on the south side.

The route mostly follows an old logging road, which is open in some sections and overgrown in others.

There was good snow cover out here, and this was before the most recent snowstorm.

The route passes through one of my favorite hardwood glades.

North Tripyramid and the North Slide loom above.

Sweet snowshoeing.

Crossing the brook that drains "Scaur Ravine" on the south side of Scaur Peak. 

Coming into the "inner sanctum" glade of Avalanche Ravine.

A wonderfully secluded spot.

Making tracks.

Looking up at the North Slide.

Avalanche Brook, almost buried.

Approaching the East Fork of the North Slide.

A foot or so of powder out here.

Looks inviting - I think I'll snowshoe up a ways.

Heading up. The lower part of the East Fork is fairly low angle.

Looking back. I love snowshoeing up these open snowy swaths.

Looking up. I would have liked to ascend quite a bit higher, but I had a late start due to a sub-zero morning and had to get back for an evening event.

Because there was some ice under the powder on the slide, I decided it would be prudent to descend through the adjacent woods. Along the way I caught a glimpse of Mt. Moosilauke beyond Osceola's Breadtray Ridge.

Back down on the floor of the ravine, a peek at the wide upper part of the North Slide.

 

Homeward bound.