March 29, 2003, Skyline Tye Tour, Stevens Pass

It was a warm, mostly cloudy day at Stevens. As reported there was considerable avalanche hazard above 5000' especially on steeper, S facing slopes and during the middle of the day. This was evidenced by very large 'death cookies' and natural avalanches starting from cliff bands. Our party of 5 was the only party of skiers. There was a solo snowshoer who apparently had done a circuit of Skyline Ridge and a party of snowshoers setting up camp in our uptracks just above Skyline Lake. We unknowingly and quickly came upon their camp on our way out. DarylW may have unintentionally destroyed their kitchen. I hope the campers fill in their excavations on their departure. We made 6 separate runs (2 were mostly traverses) including a new-to-me 1400'er NickD guided. It was work breaking trail as there was over a foot of new, settling and wetting (two days prior would have been 'epic'). It was a full day (over 7 hours), 4800vf.