Apparently I missed the BIG party, which was Saturday. Combination of egg hunt and glorious sun had brought the crowds out en masse, is what I heard from the people that had been there the previous day. But Sunday, they didn't even open upper lodge and White Salmon lot was no more than 1/3 full.
Nevertheless Sunday was shaping up just fine in its own right. For one thing, the rain and clouds held off for quite a bit longer than you would have guessed from the forecast. Bonus!!! It was sunny all morning, albeit a little windy and not all that warm. Shuksan was out and glorious (Baker a bit more cloud wrapped, the foreshadower of approaching weather.) About one PM the clouds finally made it in, with some light drizzle around 1:30 or 2. The true rain+snow didn't hit til about 3. So, big win vs a forecast that said it would rain from the get go.
Snow was pretty good. Fine slushy spring stuff. Perfect for snowboard blasting. But not necessarily that appealing off the runs. Tracks on Arm showed plenty of wet slides where steep even on N facings. Canyon closed all day. Also had "Own Risk" ropelines over Gabls, Chute, Pan Face. Not sure what those were about? Sure, would have been ice lumps first thing in AM. But by noon or so with a little sun on it Chute was the best run on the mtn. Gabls also plenty fun.
Not all that great a "party" given last day of year and all and compared to previous years. Not too many costume wearers. Forecast and eventual late coming rain may have dampened that spirit.
Unbelievable amount of snow, for a mountain that is now closed. So sad. But Lord knows I need to work off that beer/lift gut, and start the touring season for real anyways.
