November 1, 2005, Dawn Patrol Chinook Pass

I could hardly sleep last night, hearing the rain pound on my metal roof.
Well I guess I will go skiing.
The road to Chinook was open to Tipsoo Lake, probably not anymore. I got on the road before the snowplow drivers had their coffee warmed. So, a little white knuckle drive with a couple car track marks, like a snake in the sand.
Due to the excess of snow, and the forcast, Cayuse Pass may be in jeapordy of closing for the season VERY soon. I hope I'm wrong and I hope I'm right!
The Rangers were all lined up at the 410-123 Junction as I left at 8:30AM. Where I almost put my 4-runner in the ditch, good thing I brought my shovel!

Dawn Patrol-
Skinned form Tipsoo Lake to a safe zone near the rock band below West Naches Peak. Skied 2 runs on the gentler slopes facing West. 1000 vert ft. total to the truck. There was about 18 inches more snow than when I skied this on Sunday. A 1 inch breakable crust layer formed from yesterday's warming, with snow literally piling up on the surface! So-from the bottom surface up. Ground-18 inches of unconsolidated heavier snow, 1 inch breakable crust, 6 plus inches of POW. 28 degrees.

Peaceful and Quiet with the lake and snow!

I failed to mention-one of the cars that spun out in front of me going up to Cayuse Pass. Well I saw that guy hiking up to Chinook as I was driving down the road. I thought he was going to go boarding or skiing. He had a fishing pole with him and he was going to fish at the lake. Just when I thought I had seen it all!
:)

My truck had 3 inches of snow on it in one hour.

Great ski-worth the white knuckle drive.
Presently snowing on and off at home 1950ft.
Got Oct and Nov done in a three day window. Or day1 and day2 Cool...
Time to work!
Joe