November 13, 2005, Mazama Ridge/Back Bowls
11/13/05
WA Cascades East Slopes North
2274
0
Pulled into the Longmire lot by 9am just to find out that the gate would not be opening till 10. After breakfast I joined the eager folks which consisted of Josh, Jason, Hanna, Paul, Sam, Dave, Robie, Dorthea, and a few more. At 10 the gate promptly opened and the jocking for position in line ensued.
Pulled into the Paradise lot to rain/sleet mix and mild wind. Visibility was in and out as clouds rolled by. Skinning could best be described as a work out in deep, wet snow. Depth varied from 1-2 feet and deeper where there was wind transport.
Did a few laps in the Back Bowls. Our first run on low angle east face proved tasty. Soft crust that was creamy and carvable. We worked our way northerly, following the ridge to sample more. Eventually we worked our way to some southwest aspects. It was already in the afternoon and the temp started to drop causing a hissing hard trap crust on this aspect. You could only imagine the fun.
Stability on 25 degree and less was not an issue. However on anything steeper you had to watch your turns. There was some wet sluff management here and there. Pretty much all the recent wet snow sliding on the fluff from day or two earlier, which was all rain soaked by now. Just from observation seemed like the fluff that fell prior bonded well to the crust I encountered with Rick on Friday. Also there was a recent release on south aspect next to the 911 line. About 20 feet across and ran about 40 or so feet. Crown appeared to be at least 6 inches deep. Watch out for them steep rollovers too! Did see a few cracks shooting across the tops of some our runs.
What a great day capped with some humor and mexican food in Eatonville.
Pulled into the Paradise lot to rain/sleet mix and mild wind. Visibility was in and out as clouds rolled by. Skinning could best be described as a work out in deep, wet snow. Depth varied from 1-2 feet and deeper where there was wind transport.
Did a few laps in the Back Bowls. Our first run on low angle east face proved tasty. Soft crust that was creamy and carvable. We worked our way northerly, following the ridge to sample more. Eventually we worked our way to some southwest aspects. It was already in the afternoon and the temp started to drop causing a hissing hard trap crust on this aspect. You could only imagine the fun.
Stability on 25 degree and less was not an issue. However on anything steeper you had to watch your turns. There was some wet sluff management here and there. Pretty much all the recent wet snow sliding on the fluff from day or two earlier, which was all rain soaked by now. Just from observation seemed like the fluff that fell prior bonded well to the crust I encountered with Rick on Friday. Also there was a recent release on south aspect next to the 911 line. About 20 feet across and ran about 40 or so feet. Crown appeared to be at least 6 inches deep. Watch out for them steep rollovers too! Did see a few cracks shooting across the tops of some our runs.
What a great day capped with some humor and mexican food in Eatonville.
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