October 28, 2001, Table Mountain, Mount Baker

Well our group started out as a group of 8. We clearly were not alone. As the morning progressed there were tons of people that showed up on this day to get some turns in. Enjoying about 12-16 inches of fresh powder on a great weather window, most of the slopes in and around Table looked like a typical ski area after the first few hours. Wanting to get some fresh tracks of our own (which were hard to come by once the afternoon hit) our group quickly widdled down to 3 as Ben, Mark and myself decided to tour in a little deeper (west and south of Table Mountain). Due to the afternoon sun beatin' down on these south-southeast slopes, about an inch crust had developed over about 1 ft. of powder. Still made for some great skiing, just fewer turns made in order to plow through the stuff and maintain control. Made our last run slightly after 4 and was back at the parking lot by 5:15 with nobody left. All in all once getting past the crowds, it was quite enjoyable. The fresh snow and great weather made for a great day of touring.

David Coleman