Home > Trip Reports > February 28, 2019, Snoqualmie Pass Goats

February 28, 2019, Snoqualmie Pass Goats

2/28/19
WA Snoqualmie Pass
2230
8
Posted by aaasen on 2/28/19 8:01am
Cold, calm, and clear this morning. The pass got a couple inches of very low density snow last night. Powder from last Friday night is remarkably well preserved in the trees. Strong east winds on Tuesday and Wednesday formed some stiff wind slabs above the treeline. We didn't go above 5,000' so I'm not sure how much unconsolidated snow there is up high. Strong sun made for a spring-like conditions on eastern aspects.

Saw some tracks on a steep ridge to nowhere and thought they were from a confused but bold climber. As I skied down I was very surprised to see a couple mountain goats dart across the couloir below me. They had collars so I assume they were relocated from the Olympics last summer.

Also saw a Northern Pygmy Owl calling out to claim his territory from the highest tree around. I usually don't see any wildlife when touring around Snoqualmie Pass, so this was a nice treat.
I saw one on Tinkham peak in August. Not sure if it was an Olympic one or not but it ran away immediately when it saw me.

Wow, awesome shots!

Great photos.

Really nice shot of the goats

That's very cool (both goats and the owl).
I've never seen a goat in Snoqualmie pass before.
Keep your eye out for the snow flies however
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chionea

Awesome! Luminous owl. Still some fun recycled pow in trees between 5000-3800 ft today (3/1). Very calm wind on ridgelines, birds were singing everywhere.

We found okay pow down to 2780' yesterday, so YMMV!

I didn't count the surfy luge course from 3800-3000 ft :)  Snow in the more alpine terrain was wind affected from 5400-5000 ish. Beautiful day, magnificent tree gazing.

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aaasen
2019-02-28 16:01:22