January 11-12, 2003, Camp Muir

This is not quite a ski tour report, but I've been getting great info and inspiration from the TR's, so here's something back.

Our group of 7 hiked up to Muir for overnight stay. We worked all week looking at the beautiful high pressure system and the NWAC mtn weather forecast for the weekend, which was right on the mark:  snow Sat PM and into Sunday with partial clearing PM.  oh well. >:(

Saturday going up we expected ice and crusty conditions, but found a couple inches of fresh making for nice walk up on snowshoes, starting 11 AM from Paradise. Clouds moved in at about 8,000', with a last fleeting glimpse of Gibraltar rock about 9,000'. Then a real whiteout, making it by bearing and altimeter to the hut at 4:15, where wind and snow were screaming. The snow-free hut looked a lot better than all the alternatives coming to mind at that point!  :)

Sunday AM it was a project to get 30' to the toilet in full gear and goggles, to shovel out the door in a raging blizzard.  Started letting up at noon, so we decided to come on down in some beautiful new snow. 4"-8" of powder and wind-packed powder. 2 boarders in the group had some nice rides, despite really flat light conditions and clouds moving in and out. Snow was wet, conditions mild from Alta Vista down to Paradise.  8)
Next time:  skis, no big pack! reply if you want pix link.