December 17, 2002, Norse Peak

Well yesterday was my 31st birthday and I had to take a day off work. I decided to head up Crystal Mountain area and with the rain and cloudy weather on the way I had my doubts about going. I plan to do some backcountry skiing around Norse Peak area just east of the ski lifts. When I got there there was about 2 inches fresh snow at the parking lot and it was snowing pretty hard. Going to the backcountry solo I wonder if it was safe. Headed up to Bullion Basin with pretty good coverage and breaking trail all the way there with good base and about a foot of powder I knew I made a great choice coming here. Little concern with avalanche conditions I stayed in the trees climbing out of Bullion Basin and up the steep face of Norse Peak. I reached the summit around noon and it was still snowing but the weather was improving. I was amazed how well the coverage was. about 4 feet at its deepest. I took one run down eastside of Norse peak and it was a dream. About a foot of untouched powder snow. I was the only one there and didn't see anyone the whole day. There was no other people's tracks and didn't think I would see any when I headed out my own tracks was already almost buried with the snow coming in. Climbing out of the eastside basin I headed back up Norse Peak and then I took a run down Norse Peak and the run down was even better especially in the trees were wind protected snow was so soft and powdery. Again the coverage was great and never hit any rocks. I had to take another climbed back up Norse peak to ski it again before heading out.

My conclusions is this don't go up lift areas where it is skied out within an hour. Backcountry is the way to go. Go where others haven't gone before!!!! There is suppose to be high pressure building this weekend and Saturday is going to be sunny. GO UP THERE AND SKI!!!!!