On Blodgett Pass in Montana and Idaho’s Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, I began the ascent in the latest of four consecutive days of winter storms that had rolled down the canyon. This latest storm, which contributed to a snowpack that winter of approximately 150% of the norm, was beginning to lift as I continued the climb. The view is of the avalanche chute located at the pass and the canyon beyond. At this point I discovered a crucial broken strap on one of my snowshoes. I decided to bite the bullet and continue on, rather than going back down the 12 miles to the trailhead where I had started. I arrived at Lochsa Lodge and Highway 12, 38 miles and 11 days later.

Blodgett Pass Winter Ascent