November 6, 2005, Suiattle Pow Pow
11/6/05
WA Cascades West Slopes South (Mt Rainier)
2027
0
Headed up the Suiattle to Boulder lake and Hurricane Peak area (just west of Green Mountain) with a large group of snowshoers. 8" of snow at the trailhead. Typical Darrington-style approach on a mile of abandoned log grade then powdery old growth up to the head of the valley. Snoeshoeable in the forest but not skinnable yet -- then deep snow coving the talus at the head of the valley -- time to swap to skiis!
At the lake, we dined and brewed up some hot chocolate as sunbreaks came and went intermixed with showers. Hurricane Peak occasionally revealed itself with mist enshrouded spires. We then went up the ridge on the south side of the lake to a prominent knob. Trailbreaking was challenging -- skiis working decently when the grade was not too steep -- other times the snowshoe plow train was more effective.
As we neared the top the light came out more, as powder encrusted trees and other rock features received brilliant spotlighting against a more moody background. Chaval and Mulcher peaks began to lift their veils. We prepared to head down as slanting light took on some colored hues. It is probably a good thing that I had run out of film earlier so that I could focus on heading down before dark instead of taking pictures!
Deep and steep light pow heading back down to the valley floor. Figuring out the balance again was tricky with some entertaining faceplants. Plenty of boulders and glades anchoring the slopes but everything was covered well. One last run of powder pillowed boulders like soft moguls was the best.
Back into the forest at dusk and out by first starlight -- a fine day for winter returning to the cascades!
- Kevin
At the lake, we dined and brewed up some hot chocolate as sunbreaks came and went intermixed with showers. Hurricane Peak occasionally revealed itself with mist enshrouded spires. We then went up the ridge on the south side of the lake to a prominent knob. Trailbreaking was challenging -- skiis working decently when the grade was not too steep -- other times the snowshoe plow train was more effective.
As we neared the top the light came out more, as powder encrusted trees and other rock features received brilliant spotlighting against a more moody background. Chaval and Mulcher peaks began to lift their veils. We prepared to head down as slanting light took on some colored hues. It is probably a good thing that I had run out of film earlier so that I could focus on heading down before dark instead of taking pictures!
Deep and steep light pow heading back down to the valley floor. Figuring out the balance again was tricky with some entertaining faceplants. Plenty of boulders and glades anchoring the slopes but everything was covered well. One last run of powder pillowed boulders like soft moguls was the best.
Back into the forest at dusk and out by first starlight -- a fine day for winter returning to the cascades!
- Kevin
Reply to this TR
Please login first: