June 6, 2011, Alpental after work
6/6/11
WA Snoqualmie Pass
1181
0
Snow at Alpy is finally something resembling corn. It is a bit dirty, and cup formation is definitely happening, but still nicer snow than my 3 previous trips in last few weeks as far as not being suctiony. And snow should last a couple more weeks I would think.
Started from lot ~5:20. Not really that warm, fast moving clouds often hid the sun, a bit of wind. Quite comfortable weather for skinning in tshirt and light pants. Can still skin basically from the bottom patio (20 feet of dirt but big deal). A few more creek holes. Lookers R Sessel and segments of lower Lower I chewed up to dirt from the cat track construction road but plenty of decent snow around that.
Skinned up Lower I for change of pace, then up ropeline to knoll between upper and lower traverse. At least half of Upper I is av chunks and not that great looking whereas there's lots of good smooth snow for the taking in the near backcountry. Took brief lap down into Sharon Bowl, a little sticky but OK, decided to skin back up rather than commit to Trash Can and unknown coverage.
At high point the wind was blowing at least 30 and basd on how fast clouds were moving, the ridgetops must have been even more windy. That and sun going behind ridge kept things coolish.
On ski down, Lower I had some av hunks too but could work around. Smooth lanes lasted a few hundred feet and then often took a traverse to find another lane.
Once again, like last year, the Alpental Plaza has some kind of music soundtrack going, piped music even though there is NO one around. I guess I'd give their station the call letters KNAR == Konfusingly Nonattended Alpental Radio.
Started from lot ~5:20. Not really that warm, fast moving clouds often hid the sun, a bit of wind. Quite comfortable weather for skinning in tshirt and light pants. Can still skin basically from the bottom patio (20 feet of dirt but big deal). A few more creek holes. Lookers R Sessel and segments of lower Lower I chewed up to dirt from the cat track construction road but plenty of decent snow around that.
Skinned up Lower I for change of pace, then up ropeline to knoll between upper and lower traverse. At least half of Upper I is av chunks and not that great looking whereas there's lots of good smooth snow for the taking in the near backcountry. Took brief lap down into Sharon Bowl, a little sticky but OK, decided to skin back up rather than commit to Trash Can and unknown coverage.
At high point the wind was blowing at least 30 and basd on how fast clouds were moving, the ridgetops must have been even more windy. That and sun going behind ridge kept things coolish.
On ski down, Lower I had some av hunks too but could work around. Smooth lanes lasted a few hundred feet and then often took a traverse to find another lane.
Once again, like last year, the Alpental Plaza has some kind of music soundtrack going, piped music even though there is NO one around. I guess I'd give their station the call letters KNAR == Konfusingly Nonattended Alpental Radio.
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