December 23, 2009; Mt. Rainier, Muir

In an attempt to take advantage of the 1st day of this high pressure window since the last storms, I wanted to check out conditions on Rainier.  I was the only skier essentially above Pan Point under mostly sunny skies and calm wind.

Above Anvil Rock (9,400'+) the winds were horrendous, much as forecast for today on Rainier.  Windpacked/styrofoam powder existed all the way down to the entrance of Nisqually Chutes.  Ran into Ned on a splitboard who was making a beeline for the Chutes.  He asked if I wanted to ski them with him, I said sure.  Entrance had a small dust-on-crust & ice section before getting to a similar windpacked pow as the snowfield proper.

Enjoy while the high pressure dayz last!