December 1, 2002, Glacier Peak, Sitcum Glacier
12/1/02
WA Cascades West Slopes Central
2811
2
With the continuing high pressure window coupled with the high freezing level thanks to the temperature inversion, I asked Sky if he was interested in heading to Glacier Peak. He was in, and we were off and running Saturday afternoon. Got to Boulder Basin in just under 4 hours thanks to the overnight gear as well as the skis and boots on our packs. Noticed 2 other tents, so we weren't alone. Headed out at 8:00 AM Sunday morning under clear skies. Tents were gone and no signs of anybody on our route. Snow is spotty down Boulder Basin, however at around 6,600' snow is continuous for skinning if one so chooses. Entire Sitcum route was essentially runnel and suncup free. Winds were fairly strong from time-to-time, but subsided until we reached saddle just above Sitcum Spire. Scimitar crevasses were quite impressive, while our route was essentially filled in (few sags quite prevalent clearly indicating crevasse bridging from early-to-mid November storms). Stopped at 9,700' due to conditions showing no signs of softening coupled by Panama's (the dog) fatigue as well as stiffness in my knee from a fall on the Sulphide last week. Skiing consisted of essentially breakable crust with variable snow conditions throughout. Last 1,000' of skiing back down to camp offered a thin layer of corn. Sky's ski down to camp was a challenging one as he chose to carry Panama. He was quite excited once we reached camp. Great tour, and hike out was uneventful other than a cramping knee.
A remote volcano, ailing knee, exhausted party member, breakable crust, and short days - it sounds like a near-epic trip! I'm glad everything worked out. You've been doing a bunch of major ski trips lately, David. Do you think you will slow down a bit when the snow starts to fall? ;)
Hey Charles, good to hear from you...You bet, I can't wait until the snow arrives...having to climb our volcanoes for snow this late in the year has definitely had it's toll on me. I'm all for the powder days and short jaunts up to our passes in order to earn those backcountry turns! ;)
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