January 13, 2007, Mt. Baker Backcountry
1/13/07
WA Cascades West Slopes North (Mt Baker)
2968
2
Briefly, then: discouraging reports from others notwithstanding, we found fine skiing on north and south aspects, with 6 inches of dry, unconsolidated powder covering a carveable crust in glades, trees and on open slopes. The ski area was packed, and the backcountry well-populated, but there was total solitude within minutes of the Artist Point parking lot. There were no signs of serious instabilities, and we skied long forty degree lines (and steeper rolloevers) without fear.
Within a couple of hundred feet of ridgelines the recent powder became spotty, with scoured crust and deep deposition zones scattered unpredictably at close quarters; this proved somewhat troublesome on both ascent and decent, though most ill effects were easily ameliorated by wise route selection (note that I'm not naming names). Post-storm winds seem to have been from the north and east, so deposition patterns are not necessary typical for this area. Some faceting around the crust will probably bear watching as new storm systems move in, but at the moment there's excellent fun to be had.
enjoy,
Mark
Within a couple of hundred feet of ridgelines the recent powder became spotty, with scoured crust and deep deposition zones scattered unpredictably at close quarters; this proved somewhat troublesome on both ascent and decent, though most ill effects were easily ameliorated by wise route selection (note that I'm not naming names). Post-storm winds seem to have been from the north and east, so deposition patterns are not necessary typical for this area. Some faceting around the crust will probably bear watching as new storm systems move in, but at the moment there's excellent fun to be had.
enjoy,
Mark
Some pictures:
1. Mark exhibits "wise route selection," taken from the vantage point of unwise route selection.
2. Young Jason demonstrates nice free heel technique.
3. Jason, Mark, Jim all smiles and de-skinning prior to a last run down "The Line."
1. Mark exhibits "wise route selection," taken from the vantage point of unwise route selection.
2. Young Jason demonstrates nice free heel technique.
3. Jason, Mark, Jim all smiles and de-skinning prior to a last run down "The Line."
As a relative newbie to the backcountry I can say that you can't find a better crew of guys to take you out and show you how it's done. From evaluating route conditions before selecting a route to setting skin tracks on the way back up there is a lot to learn from these guys. Thanks again.
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