April 16, 2011, Olympics: Mt. Ellinor
4/16/11
WA Olympics
5198
7
The road was blocked by snow low down, around 2300', though it melted out more by late afternoon. Lots of snowshoers, but I was the only one sking on the mountain. We got a mostly sunny day, and the snow was deep and heavy but quite skiable.
Several pits at the base of the Chute showed 2-3" new, then very stable down to about 2-1/2' where there was a Q2 shear atop some decdomposed snow. It got quite warm, with pinwheels over 2' but nothing moving. I did two laps in the Chute but never went past the constriction. The Chute has far more snow than I've ever seen in it! 8) In the woods it was very nice, about 6" penetration and very smooth, no impact from the trees.
It will be quite a while before one can drive to even the lower TH, but there should be good turns for months.
Several pits at the base of the Chute showed 2-3" new, then very stable down to about 2-1/2' where there was a Q2 shear atop some decdomposed snow. It got quite warm, with pinwheels over 2' but nothing moving. I did two laps in the Chute but never went past the constriction. The Chute has far more snow than I've ever seen in it! 8) In the woods it was very nice, about 6" penetration and very smooth, no impact from the trees.
It will be quite a while before one can drive to even the lower TH, but there should be good turns for months.
author=telemack link=topic=20555.msg87581#msg87581 date=1303065922]
It will be quite a while before one can drive to even the lower TH, but there should be good touring for months.
I hope so. ;)
Way to get after it Mack.
I am still looking forward to skiing ONP with you one of these winters...never skied there.
I am still looking forward to skiing ONP with you one of these winters...never skied there.
Nice Mack,
I was wondering about Ellinor today as we were doing laps at the Ridge, glad to see you went for it. If you want some company on a future trip, let us know. ;D
Gary and Jan
I was wondering about Ellinor today as we were doing laps at the Ridge, glad to see you went for it. If you want some company on a future trip, let us know. ;D
Gary and Jan
Glad you got out Mack. It's good to know that someone is taking advantage of the phat snowpack up there. The chute sure is full.
I know better than to ask for pictures. ;)
I know better than to ask for pictures. ;)
Lower TH might be open pretty soon. Just last Tues the 12th the snow was continuous at 1700'.
The top of the sign at the lower TH was about even with my ankles! That means there was about 4-5' of snow, and that was one of the sunny parts. BTW the old clearcut below the hogback where the middle trail goes was sking a bit like corn, tho still really deep.
I think it'll be weeks. Not that it's a BAD thing 8)
I think it'll be weeks. Not that it's a BAD thing 8)
I think it'll be weeks. Not that it's a BAD thing 8)
Can't agree more.
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