May 20, 2007, Threeway Peak and Silver Basin
5/20/07
3735
4
I figured the masses would be at Paradise and WA Pass and we would be alone with all the fresh powder. Well most of the above happened, except, "all the fresh powder". As we approached the Crystal parking lot, there appeared an enormous white tent and a huge gathering of Search and Rescue personnel. Luckily, they were not skiing. Chris another TAY 'er pulled up and was heading up within the ski area. We had to walk to the base of the Quicksilver lift,chair 4, which was about 100vf to reach continuous snow. Skies were variable all day - sun, clouds, snow showers. The FL was about 4700' but was rising as we skinned up. The ski slopes on Quicksilver were consolidated with about 2"ski penetration. As we entered Threeway Peak basin there was about an inch of new wet snow atop an unconsolidated base. We decided to climb the col climbers right of Threeway. The snow was still unconsolidated and the higher we climbed the conditions did not improve. Rob and I decided to stop and as we took off our skis we sank about a foot in mush. The descent was "forgetable". My wide skis were penetrating about 8" and Rob's narrower tele skis sank about a foot. We survived the descent to the top of chair 4 . We had some more pleasant consolidated snow down the slope under the chair. As we were taking off the skis a light rain started and increased as we drove back to Seattle. IMHO, it is NOT worth touring outside the ski area of Crystal until the snow pack consolidates.
author=Zap link=topic=7180.msg28630#msg28630 date=1179712434]
IMHO, it is NOT worth touring outside the ski area of Crystal until the snow pack consolidates.
Unless they get 4 to 10 inches of new snow!
I went back the next day to Zap's land of Goo and it turned out to be quite good.
There were variable snow depths depending on wind transport and the low clouds moved in and out, good visibility, nothing got to hot yet...but I would be wary on Tuesday when temps soar up, could be dangerous,
I got a couple runs in on Joe's Bad Ass Shoulder and left before noon. The snow was sticker on chair 4 due to warming down low.
The sun peaked out and would hide and the winds were light, but cold enough to preserve the snow to a fine dense Pacific NW powder!
The new snow bonded well on top of the slush layer that Zap described - no avalanches a few surface rollers.
It was deep enough to leave powder on my thighs and my legs are not short.
Made the jump to Dynafit TLT Classics-this was day two of gear testing-.
Yesterday ended up being the real learning curve day. 10-20 mins for each front pin entry (easier to get the boot in on the ski bench), uphill skinning front pin releases (even on lock out) I think reverse ski flex, one severely cut finger (top plate of rear binding can be real sharp when it swings into place), 4500 vert of pretty darn good skiing at Crystal (west and SE exposures were best consolidation).
Wondered what it would be like to manage the toe entry in powder and it snowed overnight and got my chance. Worked much better today after reading tips from other TAY Dynafit contributors and Wildsnow.
Mounted them myself by modifying the paper jigs I got from WildSnow and made a real nifty plastic jig that centers perfectly and can be incremented for boot sole lengths.
Light and fun touring is easier than lugging the Freerides.
Joe
Here are a couple pictures of today's powder -
Joe, great trip. We were just 24 hours too early on Sunday. ;)
I've been on the Dynafit TLT for years and I think they are great. With the lighter bindings, you'll be a great trail breaker for us senior citizens. :)
I've been on the Dynafit TLT for years and I think they are great. With the lighter bindings, you'll be a great trail breaker for us senior citizens. :)
nice trax Joe, I see why U bin da 8s champ....
Zap
Hey, I ran into you in the parking lot- I climbed up to the Summit House and skied Green Valley- pretty nice skiing- compared to the rest of the area. The only problem with snow conditions was about 50 foot below the ridge by the Summit House- the new snow wasn't bonding very good to the breakage crust and then the rotten snow below it- thinking about putting the crampons on. During skinning you could feel the crust compress into the rotten snow. I could feel it slightly in a few spots; but mostly just below the ridge and only for 10 foot vert- then things were more consolidated. After second run I climbed out- more new snow/crust fun. Skied back down Iceberg, 4 to 6 foot holes and some glide cracks- I'm glad it was clear on my way down. Probably the last weekend for those areas; but Green Valley is holding snow!
Hey, I ran into you in the parking lot- I climbed up to the Summit House and skied Green Valley- pretty nice skiing- compared to the rest of the area. The only problem with snow conditions was about 50 foot below the ridge by the Summit House- the new snow wasn't bonding very good to the breakage crust and then the rotten snow below it- thinking about putting the crampons on. During skinning you could feel the crust compress into the rotten snow. I could feel it slightly in a few spots; but mostly just below the ridge and only for 10 foot vert- then things were more consolidated. After second run I climbed out- more new snow/crust fun. Skied back down Iceberg, 4 to 6 foot holes and some glide cracks- I'm glad it was clear on my way down. Probably the last weekend for those areas; but Green Valley is holding snow!
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