A look at the line:
![Click for larger image](https://thumbs.newschoolers.com/index.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fthomas-armento.smugmug.com%2FOther%2FSpire-Couloir-02-Apr-2011%2F00-line-with-route%2F1238337219_FMSUw-XL.jpg&size=400x1000)
![Click for larger image](https://thumbs.newschoolers.com/index.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fthomas-armento.smugmug.com%2FOther%2FSpire-Couloir-02-Apr-2011%2F02-group-on-Flattop%2F1238337743_Cbe2m-L.jpg&size=400x1000)
Evidence of that nasty wind:
![Click for larger image](https://thumbs.newschoolers.com/index.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.forrestthorniley.com%2Fimages%2Fnotchtop%2Fnotchspire05.jpg&size=400x1000)
![Click for larger image](https://thumbs.newschoolers.com/index.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.forrestthorniley.com%2Fimages%2Fnotchtop%2Fnotchspire06.jpg&size=400x1000)
After reaching the summit of Notchtop, we found an ideal cornice to cut to test the slope. Due to above freezing temps during the previous two days, anything that was going to release already would have, but it's never bad practice especially if you have the tools handy. Later, we found the safest entry way into the line with my two partners sawing off a section into the drop zone:
![Click for larger image](https://thumbs.newschoolers.com/index.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fthomas-armento.smugmug.com%2FOther%2FSpire-Couloir-02-Apr-2011%2F05-cornice-cutting%2F1238339349_msJgw-L.jpg&size=400x1000)
Another look at our entrance from the East Face (we entered on a ridge that separates the East Face from the south-facing Spire):
![Click for larger image](https://thumbs.newschoolers.com/index.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fthomas-armento.smugmug.com%2FOther%2FSpire-Couloir-02-Apr-2011%2F00-East-Face-entrance-with%2F1238337078_PZ74o-L.jpg&size=400x1000)
Forrest dropping in:
![Click for larger image](https://thumbs.newschoolers.com/index.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fthomas-armento.smugmug.com%2FOther%2FSpire-Couloir-02-Apr-2011%2F11-Forrest-dropping%2F1238343582_adFru-L.jpg&size=400x1000)
![Click for larger image](https://thumbs.newschoolers.com/index.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fthomas-armento.smugmug.com%2FOther%2FSpire-Couloir-02-Apr-2011%2F14-Forrest-top%2F1238344766_76b8G-L.jpg&size=400x1000)
Barrows follows:
![Click for larger image](https://thumbs.newschoolers.com/index.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fthomas-armento.smugmug.com%2FOther%2FSpire-Couloir-02-Apr-2011%2F15-Barrows-first-turn%2F1238345759_2rdmX-L.jpg&size=400x1000)
Entering the choke:
![Click for larger image](https://thumbs.newschoolers.com/index.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fthomas-armento.smugmug.com%2FOther%2FSpire-Couloir-02-Apr-2011%2F17-Forrest-choke%2F1238352286_WssE9-L.jpg&size=400x1000)
My turn at being able to open it up:
![Click for larger image](https://thumbs.newschoolers.com/index.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.forrestthorniley.com%2Fimages%2Fnotchtop%2Fnotchspire15.jpg&size=400x1000)
Barrows slashing a turn in front of Forrest:
![Click for larger image](https://thumbs.newschoolers.com/index.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fthomas-armento.smugmug.com%2FOther%2FSpire-Couloir-02-Apr-2011%2F21-Barrows%2F1238353441_FccSC-L.jpg&size=400x1000)
Still not done yet:
![Click for larger image](https://thumbs.newschoolers.com/index.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fthomas-armento.smugmug.com%2FOther%2FSpire-Couloir-02-Apr-2011%2F23-Forrest-middle%2F1238353693_HH6rf-L.jpg&size=400x1000)
![Click for larger image](https://thumbs.newschoolers.com/index.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.forrestthorniley.com%2Fimages%2Fnotchtop%2Fnotchspire17.jpg&size=400x1000)
In the bottom section after a 35-40' downclimb through some rocks:
![Click for larger image](https://thumbs.newschoolers.com/index.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.forrestthorniley.com%2Fimages%2Fnotchtop%2Fnotchspire25.jpg&size=400x1000)
![Click for larger image](https://thumbs.newschoolers.com/index.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.forrestthorniley.com%2Fimages%2Fnotchtop%2Fnotchspire27.jpg&size=400x1000)
Barrows finding his way to the bottom:
![Click for larger image](https://thumbs.newschoolers.com/index.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.forrestthorniley.com%2Fimages%2Fnotchtop%2Fnotchspire29.jpg&size=400x1000)
![Click for larger image](https://thumbs.newschoolers.com/index.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fthomas-armento.smugmug.com%2FOther%2FSpire-Couloir-02-Apr-2011%2F25-Barrows-bottom%2F1238379009_hznok-L.jpg&size=400x1000)
A look back at something that's been on all 3 of our minds for some time now. Feels great to finally tick it off the list.
![Click for larger image](https://thumbs.newschoolers.com/index.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fthomas-armento.smugmug.com%2FOther%2FSpire-Couloir-02-Apr-2011%2F26-the-line-bottom%2F1238376234_7mLRc-L.jpg&size=400x1000)
Video: