The Sourdough Gap chutes are in clear view from the summit of the Silver King in the Crystal Mountain Southback. Being just beyond the resort people are always saying how nice of an area they seem to be. Being both north facing and near the top of Morse Creek valley they have the advantage of aspect and wind loading. Knowing both of these things my friend Scott and I made a plan to go check them out.

Snowboarding off the Backside of 3 Way Peak into Morse Creek Basin

Without access to the ski lifts we came up with a plan to skin up Silver Basin. Near the head of the valley we cut a hard left and made our way towards the East col of 3 Way Peak. From the top we were looking at a south facing line into Morse Creek Basin. Without the use of chairs this was the most direct way to access the terrain around Sourdough Gap. Soon enough we were dropping in for our first run of the day.

Riding down the terrain was wide open with a few sparse trees here and there. Being that the slope was south facing it had been cooked by the sun for numerous days. Fortunately the line had softened up and was smooth corn as we made our way down. Before long we were riding to the base of Morse Creek Basin and transitioning for our long skin ahead.

Heading Out Towards the Sourdough Gap Chutes

Heading up towards Sourdough Gap we made our way under a few nice and sheltered couloirs. While we had just got done riding corn we could tell the area in the distance was powder. The plan was already to go into the area but after seeing them it was officially. We were going to go ride this area as long as time would allow.

We put a skin track up and over Sourdough Gap before doing a low easterly traverse past Sheep Lake. Once we arrived at the top of the Morse Creek Bowl we started heading back west. With a few carefully placed kick steps we were within feet of our line.

It was a bit of a challenge to make it to the Sourdough chutes as we got closer. Before long we were on firm snow with a small drop below us. We made the decision to put our boards together and carefully walk over to the line. A step at a time we were finally making our way through the small crux.

Now the only thing that stood between us and the chute was a small rock step. Fortunately it was bare rock as we made our way down one at a time. Once I was on top of our line Scott handed me my board and followed in my footsteps. We had finally made our way to our main destination.

Dropping into the Sourdough Gap Chutes

Looking into the Sourdough chutes we knew it had been worth the effort. The only spots that still had powder were north facing slopes. Being both sheltered and steep it seemed that they were holding the best snow.

The main section of the col had an overhanging corning but we were able to find a spot to the side. It was a bit intimidating as I put my snowboard nose over and started moving in. The first few turns would be steep and committing. Once I dropped there would be no looking back.

I charged all the way to the bottom of the line before looking back up. As we had guessed the snow was all we could ask for and more. Even though it hadn’t snowed for days it was still high quality powder. It felt rewarding seeing a single track in a line I had wanted to ride for years. Before long Scott dropped in and we were both at the base.

Time for Another Lap in the Area

It was still rather early in the day as we made our way back to Sourdough Gap. With time on our side we decided to ride another line in the area. Instead of traversing around like we did the previous time we just followed the ridge east. With more than enough room for both of us we had our own line to choose from. In the end Scott rode the line on the right in the photo below while I rode the center one. Both of which were similar conditions to our previous run.

Heading back up Sourdough Gap for Another Run into Morse Creek

There was a bit more activity in the Morse Creek area by the time we made our way back up Sourdough Gap. Following our skin track we watched a few people taking turns off Placer Peak. It looked like they were experiencing similar conditions as they laid there lines down the open canvas.

With only a few more hours of light we made our way around Sourdough Gap back on our previous skin track. This time instead of riding the open bowl we decided to head further East. There was a massive bowl I had seen numerous times and I wanted to check it out. Before long we were standing on top and ready for a direct descent down to Placer Lake.

The line was a consistent ramp as we made our way down the eastern slopes. Being a gully it had caught all the wind blown slow over the past few days. Instead of our previous few runs in was a nice and cruisy run where we could just relax and enjoy the turns.

Soon enough the terrain rolled off to the north for the final section of the line. Though there was no snow on the trees we were riding powder from top to bottom. The run had taken us directly to the shores of Placer Lake. From there we transitioned for our final skin of the day as we would occasionally look back at our tracks.

One Final Skin up and Over Dogleg Peak to Crystal Mountain

Our final destination from Morse Creek was Dogleg Peak. by now I knew the route like the back of my hand as we skinned up the dense forests. Looking back occasionally I was happy that we had finally put tracks in the bowl. While mellow it was a great run with good snow. Before long we arrived on the summit of Dogleg Peak and were ready for our final descent.

Dropping off of Dogleg Peak we were once again riding north facing powder into Silver Basin. With a 10 minute hike we were back on the groomers of Crystal Mountain and making our final descent. It had been a long but great day exploring the terrain around Sourdough Gap. After looking at the area for so long we both agreed it was great to finally have a good feel of the area.

Thank you for reading this trip out to Sourdough Gap Chutes. If you want to see more ski tours within Crystal Mountain Backcountry check out this link.