December 29, 2002, Paradise, MRNP
12/29/02
WA Cascades West Slopes South (Mt Rainier)
3414
3
JohnB, my daughter, and I did a little tour in the Paradise area. Climbed to the base of Pan Point, but there was no visibility so we retreated to the Paradise River bridge and played on Mazama Ridge. Not many others out. 4-6 inches of nice new on a mostly solid base, but a recent rain crust noted (just under the new, worst on W aspects). No evidence of instabilities. Most dangerous part of the day was on the highway. Lots of black ice near Eatonville on the early morning drive. Longmire gate was opened shortly after 10 am.
We were there, Brent.
And we were early enough for the black ice out of Eatonville, too! ;D
Too bad we missed you. We had extra vehicles so we left 2 at Narada. Climbed up Mazama and worked our way down the nooks and crannies down to Reflection Lakes, back up over the saddle then down to Narada. Had a great tour. Better coverage up higher, thinner especially as you get down closer to Narada.
And we were early enough for the black ice out of Eatonville, too! ;D
Too bad we missed you. We had extra vehicles so we left 2 at Narada. Climbed up Mazama and worked our way down the nooks and crannies down to Reflection Lakes, back up over the saddle then down to Narada. Had a great tour. Better coverage up higher, thinner especially as you get down closer to Narada.
Brent,
Glad to hear you were at Paradise Sunday. I was worried you may have been one of the folks involved in the Cement Basin accident with N. BTW, I thank you again for sharing the Guiness at Campbell Glacier last season!
Glad to hear you were at Paradise Sunday. I was worried you may have been one of the folks involved in the Cement Basin accident with N. BTW, I thank you again for sharing the Guiness at Campbell Glacier last season!
Hi, Tim, Thanks for the kind thoughts. If caution is borne of experience this past year has made me more of a cautious, old man. A year ago January Larry Duff, Georgia Bakke, and Susan McKnight died in an avalanche in the Purcells. Now Don Dovey's recent death on a familar slope and in the company of regular partners. This backcountry skiing can be a hard balancing game with high stakes. Take care.
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