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The
Dragontail Couloir is the eastern of two dramatic couloirs that fall
from the south face of Flattop Mountain
down to Emerald Lake in the central Tyndall Gorge. The
Dragontail is a super classic ski descent and one
which is often
"in-shape" for much of the winter and spring seasons due to
its south-eastern aspect and relatively tight configuration.
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Length:
Approx. 1500' vertical from 11.5 to 10k
(Emerald Lk.)
Avg. Angle:
45
Steepest Angle: 55
Technicality: A
short rappel or 3rd class downclimb is often required near the top
Avg Tour Length:
4-6 hrs.
Typical Avi Danger:
Many D2 sluffs during and after storms,
soft slab potential in upper layers most common hazards.
Snowpack is
typically deep (4-7 m) and in the spring debris piles can hit Emerald
Lake up to 4m deep. |
The
lower Dragontail Couloir in ideal November conditions.
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The southeast face of
Flattop with the upper approach in green,
the Dragontail descents in red, the "Dead Elk
Couloir" next to it in
blue with the Corral Couloir and Tyndall Glacier up valley
also in blue.
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One
can either climb up the Dragontail Couloir from Emerald Lake or ski up
the Flattop Mountain trail and enter this snowy gash from the
top.
Starting from below can be the better option when snow stability is
less known as conditions can be assessed on the ascent. It
can be much more work carrying skis and kicking steps on this approach.
Starting from the top is a bit more committing if conditions are
unfavorable, although a climb back out is always an option.
This is usually the less taxing approach as no step kicking or climbing
are required and it is a relatively easy ski to the top via
the Flattop Mountain trail system.
Either way, it is a spectacular descent and often contains some of the
best snow conditions in the Front Range.
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Great
conditions on a November 2001 ascent and descent.
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The
short rappel over the upper rock band which is seldom snow covered but
often an easy scramble up or short jump down.
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Looking
across the Dead Elk and lower Dragontail Couloirs (L-R) with the
Dragon's Spine splitting the two.
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Just
below the Incisor cliff band which splits the two upper Dragontails and
the skier is at the junction.
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In
the upper left (west) Dragontail just below the small cliff band that
requires some 3rd class maneuvering.
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Taking
a break in the middle of the couloir. This is not considered
a 'safe spot' for avi risk management.
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Skiing
through the middle of the couloir on a splitter Colorado blue sky day.
Lock the bindings down tight as the skier above lost a ski.
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The
upper skier's right couloir in the narrows section, approx. 5m wide at
this point.
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Looking east down the Dragontail Couloir (skier's right side)
in red, with the ascent route in green and the Dead Elk Couloir top at
the Google image.
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Contact ClimbingLife Guides for more information about guided ski descents and backcountry skiing in the majestic Rocky Mountain National Park at:
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or call 970.744.4898
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ClimbingLife LLC, All Rights Reserved.
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