March 5, 2006, Silver Peak

Following Lowells Friday and ericds Saturday trips I was the lone skier along with two boarders and four on snowshoes to boot up the North Ridge to  Silver Peak Sunday.  Starting at 7:30 we hiked the trail to Annette Lake off exit 47.  At 3200 ft we left the trail and skinned up and East through large second growth toward the base of the North Ridge. Took a short run from 4400 ft in boot deep powder to the NW of the North ridge in the trees while the snowshoers kick up the 35 degree slope.  This was the best snow of the day by far.  After yesterday sun and wind gusts throughout the morning the North ridge now has more firm than soft and a couple icy spots so the skies were back on the pack.  Reached the peak at 11:30.  Down hiked the ridge some then entered the North Bowl which is now mostly consolidated.  We followed our tracks back to the cars arriving at 3:30.  There was a 50 ft wide crown around 4000 ft on the East side of Humpback Mt.