Confidence

Confidence is a double edged sword in regards to backcountry travel. In one way it allows you to get more done because you move forward confidently and push upwards when others may turn back. But it must also be tempered with lots of self-analysis otherwise it can lead you into dangerous terrain.

I understand that I have a lot of confidence and have accomplished many things because of it but I always try to watch my actions and analyze them from a distant perspective.

In the morning the avalanche report said high hazard so we decided to proceed with caution. I imagined myself touring up through the trees and thought to keep us always in the protection of the large trees. But when we got out to the fingers I saw that most of the avalanche paths had run to mid path over night. This it seemed was an indication that the snow load had already fallen and that perhaps it was somewhat safe in the open path. So instead of the safest way up I thought I would push the skin track out a bit more. Which exposed us longer to overhead hazards. Not for the entire up but for longer than we needed to. It worked out and we all skinned to where we needed to be.

But in retrospect why expose when there really is no need. Always stay a little scared and follow the rules. Use every trick to keep the scales balanced on the side of safety and you will get far more days out in the backcountry. Be wary of confidence as it can breed complacency.

A decent day with some good powder skiing. Though it was a little upside down because the snow had fallen could and then a warmer , more dense layer landed on top of it. But all in all good skiing.

Day 22 done 78 to go.