27FEB10, Archaeological Pits, Mazama Ridge, MRNP

Skiing back from outback of the Cowlitz Divide, down Mazama, I went to take the only decent off ramp (to the "river run") only to find the base of the ramp blocked with skis stuck in the snow and people mulling around a pit.  Since this is the most common exit from the ridge to the Paradise Vally Road, I can only assume they were digging an archaeological pit to look for old ski tracks.

They could have put a warning at the top: exit closed to skiers (then I wouldn't have had to do a hockey stop and side-step back up). Or they could have stayed in town and learned more that way.

Did you tell them that? There was a class up there that day that may not have had the local knowledge to know that was the easiest exit.

Did you tell them that?  There was a class up there that day that may not have had the local knowledge to know that was the easiest exit.

Yes. And skiing down today, the remains of the pit posed a hazard to the unsuspecting skier. I was aware, so no hazard to me or my accomplice.

Good deal -- bummer they didn't fill it in though.

Snow safety should include leaving the snow on the slope safe for others.