march 11, 2006, Washington Pass area

lots of new snow in the north cascades.  I am going to guess about 36"  of very light snow, about 4" of which had fallen in the last 24 hours.

Shiah and I (Adam) acesssed the Liberty peak area (aka the hairpin) by snowbmobile. winds were very light, and throughout the day patchy clouds and snow showers mixed in with some blue sky and sun. The Skinning was easy.

Some avy activity was noted, and small point-source sloughs were going off everywhere.  No singnificant propigation or slides were seen or heard.  other riders who accessed different aspects in this area had similar reports.

snow strength tests indicated there was good bonding beneath the large layer of fresh light powder, but the aspect we were on (below Poster peak, S. facing) was variable, and obviously wind loaded at higher elevations.
the sheer quantity of new snow had us agreeing that we should take it conservatively.  2 1000'+ laps of face shots and huge grins later, we packed it up.

notes: 1.this is a very beautiful area.
         2. this was my first time on a snowmobile, it was                          great!
         3. this is my first post.