12/18 Crystal's nucelar pow fest

West Face on Thursday, made the hike early (after two memorial choke sessions). West Face was beyond description, one of the few snorkel days I have ever had in the cascades. On the first run, I only saw the sky twice. Victor, Zach, Clifford and I could not speak when we arrived at the Green Valley lift. There were simply no words that were sufficient to describe the experience. Later skiied Snake pit, upper bull, Willies. Hit one rock on Green Valley bowl. I think it helps to hike crystal in the summer so that you know which aspects are best in early season. Certainly not High Campbell!

What a day!

It just keeps on coming ! Snowed on and off all day today ( Sunday 21, December) As of 18:40 it is piliing up over an inch per hour in B lot. This morning was a little sketchy on the wind loaded aspects which was just about everything not sheltered by trees. The good news: Tree runs were solid big money. Northback was a ghost town, lap after lap with no one else around. Had to wake the lifties up to load the chair. I think tomorrow will be even better. The runs that were skied showed some evidence of consolidation, particularly the 12-18 from Thur and Fri. This should set up for a great base and encourage debris coverage. Many times today the first drop was ok, but the second person thru had to dodge the rocks. What a great Christmas present. Well worth calling in with EYE PROBLEMS (just can't see coming in) That is all.

Some pics from Friday.

skied with joedabaker, Scott K, Dave S, Lance, Clem, Mike, and other rippers. As stated, too good to stop and shoot any action.

Exterminator, Right Angle, Bull Run had room for freshies, caught rope drop on Northway, Paradise Bowl was deep and perfect. Too boney for much else to be open there, so we went south. Two excellent lines down Avy Basin, then closed the day in Silver Basin. Mid thigh day old blower made for a near epic day. Thursday, when it fell at 3-4% was epic, as those who were there reported.

Shot 2: If you don't know this area, tough....heh
Shot 3, the col before the King. My tracks on the left.

A few more pics here:

www.flickr.com/photos/rbtree/sets/72157611377187111/

How's that for a first post?  Been lurking here for years. Kick me!

Welcome Rbtree I was afraid Northback was still to boney so I stayed away
Exterminator is in good condition
Well at least good enough to lap all day