FATMAP by Strava

Headwall

Kirkwood

Lake Tahoe

Steep and short northwest facing slope that leads into Sally Alley

Freeride Skiing Difficult

Distance
325 m
Ascent
0 m
Descent
167 m
Low Point
2.8 km
High Point
3 km
Gradient
40˚
Headwall Map

Take Chair 4 to Chair 15 and then hike up Covered Wagon Peak. From here you can go to either side of Covered Wagon Peak and follow the ridge in the southeast direction that leads to peak with a radio tower. You can ski tour or sidestep to boot-pack. That peak is Mellisa Coray Peak. From there, follow the main ridge to the point it starts to go uphill. At that point drop into the north facing slope. Ski straight down making steep turns into Sally Alley or cut hard right to hike up the Y couloir of California Chutes. CAUTION - snow can be very variable and on occasion, blue ice can be found.

Difficulty

Difficult

Serious gradient of 30-38 degrees where a real risk of slipping exists.

Medium Exposure (E2)

2 out of 4

As well as the slope itself, there are some obstacles (such as rock outcrops) which could aggravate injury.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between January and April

Features

  • Cliffs
  • Walk Required

Equipment required

  • Skins

Similar routes nearby

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