Jan 8th- Crystal

Fear of the ice planet, given recent rain and then change to frigid conditions on Sunday AM.<br><br>1 inch of fresh snow at the parking lot. 1 inch listed on the website. <br>Conditions proved to be far better than dust on crust. <br>Up top via campbell lift, powderbowl and the face under the lift all had excellent snow-- 5 inches of fresh on top of hard snow- not ice. <br>The groomers were terrible- looked like new england with all the ice. <br>The 5+ inches of fresh snow was the key to the day. <br><br>Sick views of Rainier most of the day. <br>

Thanks for that good report. Good comparison of the groomers and off piste. That is good reporting and just like O'Reiley's "No Spin" Show. Nice!!

Bill O' Reilly? Really?<br>

Does anyone who's been to Crystal lately know if there is any snowpack at the turnoff - e.g. snow on the closed part of highway 410? (elevation 2700ft)

Phil - there was a bit on the 2nd when we pulled off in the snopark to let the dogs pee before subjecting them to hours in the van while we rode the lifts for the afternoon. Not sure how much - maybe a little under a foot. Time for some 'biling?

Yes - Chinook Pass could be interesting... I suspect they may have plowed 410 for a few miles, to make it impassible to sleds - but hopefully there will be some new snow at that elevation later this wk.