Round Top: Crescent Up, Above-My-Pay-grade Down

Quick report

Departed TH 845, couloir climb 1145-1245, summit scramble 1pm, ski from west ridge @ 10.2K’ 2pm back to TH 3pm. Mostly bluebird day on the north side (some clouds and wind later), but much windier when exposed to Southerlies once summit ridge attained. Much of couloir remained in shade all day (even apron all morning) at this time of year and snow quality seemed to reflect that (tho grade, width and prior tracks would still have tested my amateur jump turn skill level even w/o refreeze had I chosen to transition at well-built platform immediately below the choke crux about 3/4 way up. The upper 1/4 of crescent was a def no go for me to ski or even down climb back to platform given higher risk and time commitment factors in current conditions (including having my axe shaft hit rock within a few inches on multiple occasions). Bonuses of summit option included a natural and very soft snow-based crash pad at col below final pitch and escape-valve west ridge descent provided excellent and very stable ski conditions (even on steep, sunny pitches) back to Winnemucca Lake.