Jan 3, 2009, Mt Hood White River

Went up through Hood River, PDX to White River leaving at 8:00AM made for a 2.5 hour trip.  Came back through Sandy via Marmot Rd detour at 1:30PM it took 1.75 hours.  Marmot road detour is narrow 30 minute ride on narrow curvy road not recommended for night time driving.  Also hiway 26 is  one lane in Sandy by safeway due to mudslide, which caused some additional slow down.  Now for the skiing report: Went about 2 miles up from White River snopark made it to the bottom of the steep slope up to timberline lodge route.  Snow was very nice fresh powder of 12" to 16" on top of 1" crust. Beneath crust seemed to be another couple of feet of soft with another crust layer under that. Did not risk anything higher due to apparent snow layering and possible instability.  Will head up again Sunday this time to Tilly Jane via Cooper Spur.  See Planned trips:partners wanted for ride info.