Timberline conditions?

I'm apt to head down to Oregon on Thursday - should 'ol gimpyknees bring his skis for a quick non-knee stressing run down the Palmer snowfield? My (admittedly short) streak will probably end if I don't ski then, but I'd prefer not to ski the hard icy suncups I encountered up at Muir last month in order. Will the Palmer give up some rain-softened slush? Heavenly corn? Gravelly rock dodging? A runnelfest?

Up there on Mon. 9/10...Hiked from Timberline up to the top of the Palmer snowfield. Conditions were extremely dirty and suncupped: mogul sized, with several deep runnels. Late afternoon on a warm breezy day was sticky, inconsistent. Mile hike on dirt in the gully between the moraines, before reaching the snow...Several short carries on the way up (and skiing back to) the Lodge. Skins got filthy, but my ski bases got a nice pumice base grind! Worth it for the walk I gave the dog, great weather and Sept. turns. Unless they've gotten some new, I can't imagine it'll be very friendly skiing...by all means GO FOR IT:) I'd highly recommend it!!!
-Bill

Went up Saturday (9/22) to get my September turns in. Hiked up the road to Silcox and then meandered up to the Palmer patch. Started down at 1:00 or so. The snow was dirty, but relatively smooth and not too badly cupped. Good for September. Sure beat working in the yard.

Followed the snow "finger" down and with a few short carries and slaloming around rocks got pretty close to the lodge.

I had a beverage in the Ramshead Bar in the lodge and then watched a procession of vintage MGs in the parking lot before heading for home.

The south side of Hood sure looks grim this year. Hope Oregon has a good season.