TR Replies
After a few runs last Saturday the 21st I decided my legs were to tired to ski in the area. Therefore, using common sense I decided to skin from chair 4 to some of the rolling knolls near 3 way (FFF) for some easy powder turns. In the Silver Basin I saw saw a group of at least 10 gun-ho skiers and one boarder. They had music and a party atmosphere! They put an awesome safe skin track up the North facing Silver Basin bowl. They skied the whole South basin, other than the far SE side of the basin...
Thanks for the update. I spoke to a couple of guys from the Patrol who expressed the same conditions in A Basin - releases going to ground. North and South backcountry have not opened yet this season. High Campbell Basin sure was nice on Monday. Did you ski Damn Fine Forest or Lizard Back Ridge ?
Zap
Zap
No tracks through the bowl that we could see, I did not see any signs of control, but visability was not good enough to see the whole bowl. I don't think southback has opened at all, but if it has opened before it was not opened yesterday.
Great info, thanks. Did you notice anyone traversing into Crystal Basin from the ski area (any tracks in the bowl). I wonder if they have done any avy work back there yet? Do you know if the south back has even "opened" to lift skiers yet?
Juan & nickd...thanks for the additional update and (nickd) for the word of caution. I'm new to the board here but was pleasently supprised to have you respond. Good to know both of you are experienced and are watching out for your back side. Nothing takes the place of on-the-hill observations but to get a feel for what's happening before hand is great.
I'm a 20 year + BC skier but up in them-thar-hills the hazard is nothing to take lightly - what a week of snow fall we've had...
I'm a 20 year + BC skier but up in them-thar-hills the hazard is nothing to take lightly - what a week of snow fall we've had...
We just missed you (by an hour ;D we slept in), then headed back to Mazama to do 9-11 and the sister slope to west (the steep South-facing slopes above the back bowl of Mazama); the day before (in 11-18 degrees F weather) we did 6 runs down the west-facing slope of Mazama + 1 down the back bowl. On Thursday, I skied alone and broke trail in 21 inches of new snow from the parking lot to the top of Mazama, skied down once and back to the car, took 3 1/2 hours and the parking lot was em...
Don, I was also out with there among several groups. Would add some rocks at that appr 5900' roll off of the basin to look for. Yes, fairly brushy below the usual creek crossing. The dumps this week may cure that. VERY IMPORTANT: We checked with patrol and they had seen several slides to the ground faceted layer. They felt it is still very dangerous especially on the usual north and east aspects. Talked to two groups doing Union Creek that day and they saw nothing slide. So I guess some things t...
Don, if you were to point 'em straight down to the parking lot you would hit alot of shrubs. however, we skied selctively all the way to the car with no problem. had to stick to the skin track in a couple spots is all..
juan...thanks for the update. That's one of my favorite places to BC near Crystal. Was wondering how the tour was up thru the tree's from the bottom. A bit thin in pack I assume.
Did you hit any rocks coming off the upper ridge?
To a deep winter...
Did you hit any rocks coming off the upper ridge?
To a deep winter...
forgot to say that total depths were around 4'
I made it to the top lift station via Internationale, and upper Internationale had the goods! Followed a couple up a decent skin track, so didn't have to break trail (woo! the short pieces I did break were WORK). Worth a long lap on the best 600ft near top for sure. I was worried that the talus would be poking thru here but for most part the slope was 1-2 feet of primo powder. Downhill edge was tending to collapse a lot, so it was hard to maintain good form. Things got less primo about a third o...
Skinned up at Snoqualmie airport (i.e. Summit West) a few times. Quite a few folks on skins or fishscale/metal edges were checking out the snow. The upper part had excellent 12-18 inches of powder, which got heavier and scantier towards the bottom.
I was up near the Tooth today, trying to climb something. Took my skis for kicks. The trail to Snow Lake isn't really skiable, too many creeks and bare spots. I got some really nice turns in on the approach gully to Great Scott Bowl. Hit a rock. >:(
Wow, G_J, nice photo and nice looking snow!
Went back today and cleaned up where I left off. This time with my short board. I had a little time so I began hiking up above the Express lift, but found the snow too deep without my snow shoes. And breaking trail would have been hell alone. I'm with Ross, the better skiing was in the middle so I yo-yod that section twice today.
I skipped out on my last class of the day to go do some hiking at Alpental. I started hiking at around noon. Thanks to MW8888888 for the steps, I can't imagine being the first one. Unfortunately enough, I brought my older rock board. I have way outgrown it (Its a 155 and I am 6'5"). Had to straightline everything leaning WAY back just to stay afloat. I guess thats the price for 2 feet of dry powder.
I skinned the Silver Fir chair at Ski Acres this morning. I got some decient turns during a couple of laps on the upper part of the "Outback" run. Too much brush and little creeks on the lower section -- but no rock damage to my skis.
Updated to include photo
Updated to include photo
Alpental was sweet yesterday. Left the upper parking lot and made three laps on lower nash. Trail breaking was a pain but yo-yo-ing made for fast skiining after the track was in. Stability was good, nothing moving on the skin or on the ski. Lots of little sluffs coming off of the cliffs above but nothing major. Some small point release of the newer snow came down and covered parts of the skin track but again just small amounts, here and there. Over all stabili...
I certainly agree with your observations on the hill conditions. Some places were definitely sketchy and required a cautious approach. Some of the dangers were marked and some not. Hey my pow board took some shots but nothing deep. Once things appeared to be tracked I ventured into the trees and near the tree lines. Most people pushed the snow to the sides anyway. I would not recommend it unless you know and feel comfortable about the surrounding terrain. &nbs...
I'm not real sure about Avy danger. I just cruised the ski trails, but off trail you might see this: 6" - 24" frozen with 2' of fresh on top. Sounds pretty iffy until that top layer sets up!
AlpC - Well, I'm driving over SnoQ pass yet again today, so I may head to Stevens Sunday to mix things up. Of course I'm going to ski today!
AlpC - Well, I'm driving over SnoQ pass yet again today, so I may head to Stevens Sunday to mix things up. Of course I'm going to ski today!
I went up there Thursday too for a short tour to check things out. I didn't go above chair 1, but I think that's where it will be better/deeper. It was snowing and should be a couple new. I might head up again on Sunday, although riding the lifts certainly has some appeal. I am wondering if heading out to Source Lake might be a good idea, it often seems to get a bit more snow in that part of the valley.
Thanks for the report. Its enough to remind me of the good 'ole days at Crystal when the ski bus hit snow at Weyerhauser and had to chain up at Fed forest almost every weekend.
Then again, that was after January...let's hope this is just the beginning!
Then again, that was after January...let's hope this is just the beginning!
How's the avy stability? A friend and I are going up to do some climbing on Sunday, but I'm taking my skis.
Skiing closed areas is Fantastic on many levels:
1. No better feeling then grinding down a rock strewn "trail" that would be "off limits" if the area was open. We dig our own graves.
2. Early season snowpack needs grassy slopes - the BC undergrowth is scary and dangerous early season. No better place to find grassy slopes then the modified landscape of resorts.
3. Talk about easy access - park right up front even on the biggest powder day!
4. E...
1. No better feeling then grinding down a rock strewn "trail" that would be "off limits" if the area was open. We dig our own graves.
2. Early season snowpack needs grassy slopes - the BC undergrowth is scary and dangerous early season. No better place to find grassy slopes then the modified landscape of resorts.
3. Talk about easy access - park right up front even on the biggest powder day!
4. E...
Is closed area skiing soulful? Hey, they do it in Colorado all year long and call it backcountry skiing!! We can surely do it before and after the areas open. :D
I, personally think it's a hoot. less early season snags and obstacles to worry about; plenty of open terrain. Last April we fielded a major ski party at crystal. Proly had 30 or more peops show. I think closed ski areas rock. (Old folks will usually take easy access to turns every tim...
I, personally think it's a hoot. less early season snags and obstacles to worry about; plenty of open terrain. Last April we fielded a major ski party at crystal. Proly had 30 or more peops show. I think closed ski areas rock. (Old folks will usually take easy access to turns every tim...
Yep, good times. Maybe skinning the ski area isn't the purest/highest form of backcountry skiing, but it sure felt good to get out there on this year's snow! The stuff from last year was good while it lasted though I guess. Out with the old, in with the new! Actually i've always had a fondness for pre-season pow-pow at the resorts before they open . Especially at the Alp where I am a lot more intimate with the terrain. I guess it's just fun to get freshies on shots that you know will soon...
Skip: i guess you're right. the photo of the back-seat driver is you--the barely-visible shovel handle gave it away. man, you are smooth...
Gonna be a great winter boys, let's get together soon ! Good reporting as always. Jerry
Charles: great report and nice photo. glad to hear that the coverage is improving around Paradise.
Mad Dog: niiiice helmet! my bird dog jelly-belly would be proud!
Ron and JW: nice photos! thanks for sharing.
Mad Dog: niiiice helmet! my bird dog jelly-belly would be proud!
Ron and JW: nice photos! thanks for sharing.
I've been thinking about painting Gaper on my helmet but I think just wearing the child's mouse helmet cover I have is sufficient (which is complete with eyes, ears, nose and a long tail)
;D ;D Now that's funny. At least now we will be able to recognize each other if we are ever on the same mountain!
"chris c. 1998" is envious of Skip's great skiing form, your lady friend should be impressed ;D
(Kam- Thanks for not posting the photo of my face-plant). Sure was some of the best WALLOWING I've experienced; that great slow-motion feeling of "bulldozing" down the fall line at 3 mph!!!
(Kam- Thanks for not posting the photo of my face-plant). Sure was some of the best WALLOWING I've experienced; that great slow-motion feeling of "bulldozing" down the fall line at 3 mph!!!
Great, that's good to hear Mad Dog! I've been thinking about painting Gaper on my helmet but I think just wearing the child's mouse helmet cover I have is sufficient (which is complete with eyes, ears, nose and a long tail)
kam,
That backseat-driving image of Chris would be even funnier if it wasn't me. Now you know why I'm so smooth with the ladies.
Alas, we again find all too evident the plight of the tragic hero that is me.
That backseat-driving image of Chris would be even funnier if it wasn't me. Now you know why I'm so smooth with the ladies.
Alas, we again find all too evident the plight of the tragic hero that is me.
Thanks for the concern Gaper_Jeffey, but I did have it painted by a professional painter that is familiar with all the paint and plastic issues, and has done several custom helmet paint jobs. No clear coat was added for safety issues. 8)
That is indeed a nice helmet Mad Dog. If you used paint, are you concerned about the paint weakening the helmet?
My girlfriend's previous boyfriend painted her helmet. I'm trying to convince her to retire it for "safety" issues. You can see it here:
http://64.42.93.168/photos/rebeccaPublic/IMG_0056.jpg
I even contacted Black Diamond and they recommended she retire it.
Gaper Jeffey
My girlfriend's previous boyfriend painted her helmet. I'm trying to convince her to retire it for "safety" issues. You can see it here:
http://64.42.93.168/photos/rebeccaPublic/IMG_0056.jpg
I even contacted Black Diamond and they recommended she retire it.
Gaper Jeffey
Thanks Mark, kinda fun to have a new, freshly painted helmet. 8)
What a great day it was, the fresh skiable snow just kept coming in all day long, filling in our tracks faster than we could keep up. ;D If this is any indication of what the winter skiing will be like, it's gonna be a VERY good season.
What a great day it was, the fresh skiable snow just kept coming in all day long, filling in our tracks faster than we could keep up. ;D If this is any indication of what the winter skiing will be like, it's gonna be a VERY good season.
That was a tough bunch of skiers up there. I din't hit any trees ! And never scratched a rock either. Andy can you comment on the effects of all that wind? Leaving and skiing down mazama it was a little slabby from being side loaded.
Nice report, Charles.
Strider - here's to a rapid mend of that hip.
Nice pics Jerry. It was definately not good weather for photos.
Great day gang, thanks.
What pics I could get are at:
http://groups.msn.com/WildHeartsSkiing/paradise111603.msnw
Strider - here's to a rapid mend of that hip.
Nice pics Jerry. It was definately not good weather for photos.
Great day gang, thanks.
What pics I could get are at:
http://groups.msn.com/WildHeartsSkiing/paradise111603.msnw
I did the same trip today :) but I didn't see any of your tracks, so i'm not sure you're telling the truth ;), but the wind was still there as well as continuous snow and good skiing ??? so I hope it holds for tomorrow as Regine came out tonight ... abc
Very nice. It looks like you posed you're subjects.
I can just imagine you hollering into the wind, "A little more to the left!!!"
My hands were frozen from photography as well.
We were surprised by the snow we found. And the snow that fell. Nice deep fluff up high in Eastern Cascades. Two feet deep in places around 6500'.
5" of fresh fluff at a 2800' trailhead after a 6.5hr hike.
I can just imagine you hollering into the wind, "A little more to the left!!!"
My hands were frozen from photography as well.
We were surprised by the snow we found. And the snow that fell. Nice deep fluff up high in Eastern Cascades. Two feet deep in places around 6500'.
5" of fresh fluff at a 2800' trailhead after a 6.5hr hike.
Nice report, was wondering what the snow was like out there. Hard to see with my beady eyes, here at near sea level, hip cobbled together with baling wire and tape, trying to think of escape to wide open places snow and wind stinging the face, left to peering out from behind the cutains wife and family draging me back nooooooooo.... noooooooooooo... i want to go skiiiiiiiinnnngg helppppppppppppaagh. ;)
Ps Markoff you survived a season down after you snapped yur tib/fib how'd y...
Ps Markoff you survived a season down after you snapped yur tib/fib how'd y...
We were at Shuksan today. And while poor visibility and arduous trailbreaking were the truths of the day, it was well worth it for the few steep pitches that allowed a man to throw down a respectable turn into 2 feet of snow. As for density, it was heavy below 4000', but decent above.
I say you go for it. But then I always say that.
I say you go for it. But then I always say that.
Not even "ugly," you say, but maybe "hideous". Guess I made the right decision by staying home on Wednesday. But what's this about the Deadhorse Road? Washed out? Impassable until next summer?
Some Bellingham Herald reporter drove out to Glacier to ask about the coming ski season. You two burly backcountry skiers seem to have come up in a conversation with Drew Adams, but it sounds like you hadn't yet returned bearing tales of heino...
Some Bellingham Herald reporter drove out to Glacier to ask about the coming ski season. You two burly backcountry skiers seem to have come up in a conversation with Drew Adams, but it sounds like you hadn't yet returned bearing tales of heino...