February 5, 2005, Paradise
2/5/05
WA Cascades West Slopes South (Mt Rainier)
2625
3
Had a much better than expected day around Paradise. The wind was howling, and the clouds coming in and out, so we decided against heading up to Muir, and instead did runs around Paradise valley and Mazama Ridge.
The wind had blown the snow around, so areas near ridges were scoured to ice, but most areas had about 5 inches of nice powder on a hard base. Turns were really good considering conditions lately. And it was sunny for much of the day, or at least good visibility. Considering the coverage, cold temps, and dry snow, it felt like an epic early November day :-)
There wasn't too much new snow, so avy danger was manageable, although did see some skier-triggered slabs on the west side of Edith Ck basin, at the ridge-top.
Gate didn't open until 10.
The wind had blown the snow around, so areas near ridges were scoured to ice, but most areas had about 5 inches of nice powder on a hard base. Turns were really good considering conditions lately. And it was sunny for much of the day, or at least good visibility. Considering the coverage, cold temps, and dry snow, it felt like an epic early November day :-)
There wasn't too much new snow, so avy danger was manageable, although did see some skier-triggered slabs on the west side of Edith Ck basin, at the ridge-top.
Gate didn't open until 10.
One of us really should have packed a camera! I just didn't expect the day to turn out so well... :)
Had a much better than expected day around Paradise. The wind was howling, and the clouds coming in and out, so we decided against heading up to Muir, and instead did runs around Paradise valley and Mazama Ridge.
The wind had blown the snow around, so areas near ridges were scoured to ice, but most areas had about 5 inches of nice powder on a hard base. Turns were really good considering conditions lately. And it was sunny for much of the day, or at least good visibility. Considering the coverage, cold temps, and dry snow, it felt like an epic early November day :-)
There wasn't too much new snow, so avy danger was manageable, although did see some skier-triggered slabs on the west side of Edith Ck basin, at the ridge-top.
Gate didn't open until 10.
We thought about heading for the Nisqually Chutes, but were nervous about the reports of a thick crust that'd formed up there and what that might mean if there was any new snow accumulation. Did you happen to notice whether that crust was the weak interface? How much accumulation was there?
I'm sure the crust would be the weak interface. But the only places we were able to get anything to move was on the lee side of obvious windlips/cornices. Windslab seemed localized and not widespread (or maybe we just chose the right aspects). Most places the snow wasn't too cohesive, and there was only 5-6 inches on the crust.
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