TR Replies
Congrad's.
Your great shot made "The Cover of the Rolling Stone" (so to speak) :D
Your great shot made "The Cover of the Rolling Stone" (so to speak) :D
Ok Jeff, I'm trying to evade various pressing responsibilities at the moment, so let's deconstruct that sentence:
"Totally unprecedented" is a deliberate exaggeration for (presumed) effect.
"Record-breaking" is loosely based on the recent spate of newspaper articles featuring quotes from various experts: "Never saw it this bad before...." etc. etc. etc.
"melting snow at a ferocious rate" is a direct observation.
And "annua...
"Totally unprecedented" is a deliberate exaggeration for (presumed) effect.
"Record-breaking" is loosely based on the recent spate of newspaper articles featuring quotes from various experts: "Never saw it this bad before...." etc. etc. etc.
"melting snow at a ferocious rate" is a direct observation.
And "annua...
Selected climo data: (more here and many other places I'm sure if you look)
In short, both June and July were warmer and much drier than average. I remember hearing that the dry spell we had was one of the longest recorded.
JUNE CLIMATOLOGICAL REPORT FOR SEA-TAC AIRPORT NATIONAL WEATHER
SERVICE SEATTLE WA
230 AM PST TUE JUL 1 2003
TEMPERATURE DATA......
&n...
In short, both June and July were warmer and much drier than average. I remember hearing that the dry spell we had was one of the longest recorded.
JUNE CLIMATOLOGICAL REPORT FOR SEA-TAC AIRPORT NATIONAL WEATHER
SERVICE SEATTLE WA
230 AM PST TUE JUL 1 2003
TEMPERATURE DATA......
&n...
Well, Mad Dog, I'll have to ask for the $ 20 back that I thought was a good bribe, so much for honesty amongst skiers!;D Indeed the flowers were at thier peak with some very bright yellow monkey flowers just past the waterfall. An excellent corn harvest it was and taken in with good company.We'll have to do again real soon, skiing the ah,...well I'll be darned if I can't remember, has anyone seen my ski poles?. Todd says he has some more pictures that he'll post soon.
Later
Paul
Later
Paul
Mark:
Excellent tr.
One question:
Being the young, skeptical, not-smart gaper that I am, I am curious as to the factual basis supporting your statement, "Our annual, totally unprecedented, record-breaking drought and heat wave has been melting snow at a ferocious rate".
My understanding from Amar Andalkar's 2002-2003 Cascade Snowfall and Snowpack summary was that as of May 1st Mt. Baker had 100% average snowdepth:
http://www.skimountaineer.com/CascadeSki/Casc...
Excellent tr.
One question:
Being the young, skeptical, not-smart gaper that I am, I am curious as to the factual basis supporting your statement, "Our annual, totally unprecedented, record-breaking drought and heat wave has been melting snow at a ferocious rate".
My understanding from Amar Andalkar's 2002-2003 Cascade Snowfall and Snowpack summary was that as of May 1st Mt. Baker had 100% average snowdepth:
http://www.skimountaineer.com/CascadeSki/Casc...
Greg - Thanks for the kind words. Anything to help out a fellow bc skier -- especially one stranded in Milwaukee!!
Mark - I know how you feel, mate. Those semi-senility years just keep getting closer. Maybe if you can just remember how to get to Paradise I might figure out how to get my walker close to some skiable snow??.
Mark - I know how you feel, mate. Those semi-senility years just keep getting closer. Maybe if you can just remember how to get to Paradise I might figure out how to get my walker close to some skiable snow??.
5:45 for 3650 with a crowd of teenagers sounds fast to me - heck, that's not too bad for some old farts either...
As another data point, I'll note that last year when I visited Hadley in mid-August, the mosquitos were equally voracious. Both of my write-ups on the experience mention how bad they were. However, I thought that after getting through the mosquitos, the skiing was quite worthy of the effort.
To cope with the mosquitos, one could just start hiking from the car while wearing ski pants, jacket, and head net. I stopped to put on my pants and jacket last year (no head net) m...
To cope with the mosquitos, one could just start hiking from the car while wearing ski pants, jacket, and head net. I stopped to put on my pants and jacket last year (no head net) m...
You certainly are getting a lot of use out of The Place Where All The Snow Goes For The Summer. Apparently, you've even mastered the art of flattening suncups by repeated spooning of tracks; thus, the skiing looks better and smoother each time you go. Too bad I'm so forgetful I can't even remember how to get there, or I'd join you once or twice.
Ron: You and your group are uncanny at picking a spot, and then riding it out until you find the next great spot!
Nice photos. I'm in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, checking up on my (enviable) soulmates laying down the cool lines. Thanks, again, for such great photographic documentation; it;s the next best thing to being there.
Greg Lange
Nice photos. I'm in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, checking up on my (enviable) soulmates laying down the cool lines. Thanks, again, for such great photographic documentation; it;s the next best thing to being there.
Greg Lange
Turned out to be a pretty good ski day for August on a low snow year.
Here's a shot of Todd rippin' it up:
More pics (3 pages of 'em!) are at:
http://groups.msn.com/WildHeartsSkiing/paradise8303.msnw
Here's a shot of Todd rippin' it up:
More pics (3 pages of 'em!) are at:
http://groups.msn.com/WildHeartsSkiing/paradise8303.msnw
I'm impressed, and yes, it does count as a streak-countable ski trip. Let's face it, kudo's, to the kids for going that far and having a great time. Shoot, this past weekend, I was wanting to "whine" about the time I hit the Stevens-Van Trump memorial until I remembered that your two BC skiers made it all the way back in there. Keep up the good work, you've only just begun to scratch the surface. ;D
Thanks, Sky. I've seen poor quality snow on the Squak...in early October. Glad to hear it's surviving the heat wave in good shape.
Mark, the good skiing is down low on the Squak, as you might have guessed. I have never seen it without quality snow just above the gullies. Scott Paul? (the immediate right) from Schreiber Meadows TH, and then let your instincts guide you.
Ah ha, good to get those August turns, and even enjoyable ones at that! It's too bad we couldn't summit earlier, with more time the Park Headwall may have been tempting, eh? Good skiing, Paul...
Thanks for the report. Where was your camp? In other words, where was the good corn? Surely not on the Easton? Maybe down low on the Squak?
Mark
Mark
Niiice.
Good score, ema.
Thanks for sharing it.
Good score, ema.
Thanks for sharing it.
Looks streak-countable to me. At least they're not sitting in the car drinking beer! ;D
That's cool, Charles. It's also impressive that you got them in there, especially the mini-dude, without a modicum of complaining.
Glad to see # 2 is well on his way to enjoying the backcountry. Well done.
That's cool, Charles. It's also impressive that you got them in there, especially the mini-dude, without a modicum of complaining.
Glad to see # 2 is well on his way to enjoying the backcountry. Well done.
ema, thanks for the report. From the recent TRs it looks like Ptarmigan Ridge is a good destination for August turns, and perhaps it will be so for the even more problematic September turns.
Was there enough snow to last until August 18th?...that's the next oppurtunity I have for some hiking. Also, would I HAVE to use cramp-ons and picks to be able to get to skiable terrain?
Jerry and Ron, great photos! Yet another summer skiing tradition is born. I'm wondering, though, why there are no photos of Ron water skiing??
What a scream! ;D This is one way to keep cool on a hot day. Wish I could have participated.
Hey Mark...guess we just missed you. I was wondering about the difference in actual distance. From what I remember, you're out on the ridgeline on Skyline in no time from the car. From there, it's just a long slog along the ridge.
Yes, the skeets were close to debilitating. I would venture to guess that we were continuously swormed by a pack of several dozen in terms of actual numbers.
No question that the views get evermore impressive as you move south alon...
Yes, the skeets were close to debilitating. I would venture to guess that we were continuously swormed by a pack of several dozen in terms of actual numbers.
No question that the views get evermore impressive as you move south alon...
I've walked Cougar Divide several times; twice for the skiing and at least once for the walk itself. The bugs are seldom as bad as you describe. This seems to be peak season in a bad year. FWIW, I was on Skyline Divide Sunday, and while the mosquitoes were perfectly tolerable, the horseflies, deerflies and blackflies were pretty bad, especially late in the day. Given the choice, I'd pick a colder, windier day.
Nice scenery up there, bugs or no bugs. It...
Nice scenery up there, bugs or no bugs. It...
Thanks for the info.
The bugs really seemed serious on that trip, almost debilitating.
I'll have a good look at the map. I was on Skyline Divide earlier in the season and it did look like it would have added considerable miles to the destination, but for an overnight probably not a big issue.
Thanks again.
The bugs really seemed serious on that trip, almost debilitating.
I'll have a good look at the map. I was on Skyline Divide earlier in the season and it did look like it would have added considerable miles to the destination, but for an overnight probably not a big issue.
Thanks again.
Yes, the route is fairly obvious if Hadley Peak is your destination. I'd opt for camping well along the ridgeline far away from any trees. As for skiing, there are some options. If I were to do an overnight, I would likely access the Mazama Glacier for a ski descent (few runnels, suncups and essentially crevasse free). This can be reached by the ridgeline along Hadley Peak just to the east of the summit pyramid (and assuming you skin/climb up the main NW face of Hadley on...
Nice to see folks reporting from north of the boarder, Jonathan. There's some sweet bc skiing in BC ;) and we don't hear enough about your favorite haunts. Thanks for your reports.
Yeah, BCRider, we were thinking that the annual "slush cup" competition would be a good way for us year-round "streakers" to have some fun and get our August turns in every year with a minimal accumulation of torture points.
Love to have you turn out for the competition next year... And to heck with lobbying for a board division; if your equipment allows you to take the win, so be it!! Kinda makes up for some of the suffering you do on the flats & rolling terrain, rig...
Love to have you turn out for the competition next year... And to heck with lobbying for a board division; if your equipment allows you to take the win, so be it!! Kinda makes up for some of the suffering you do on the flats & rolling terrain, rig...
Looks like loads of fun ron j, Randy, and JW.
Nice pics in those gallery links!
If this becomes an annual event I'll try to make it to next years. I will be petitioning however for a "boarder" division. Our single surface-area gives us an advantage. :)
Nice pics in those gallery links!
If this becomes an annual event I'll try to make it to next years. I will be petitioning however for a "boarder" division. Our single surface-area gives us an advantage. :)
Except for the bugs it seems like a nice trip. If turned into an overnight is there enough diversity in the slopes around Hadley to make it worth it as an overnight?
I will try to figure out the route you took by using a map while reading your account. I know it is probably too much to ask for a map with route lined in.... Would I be correct in saying that once on Chowder Ridge or at the end of Cougar Divide the route is faily obvious by dead reconing?
I will try to figure out the route you took by using a map while reading your account. I know it is probably too much to ask for a map with route lined in.... Would I be correct in saying that once on Chowder Ridge or at the end of Cougar Divide the route is faily obvious by dead reconing?
We weren't skiing, but the folks that brought their skiis to the Sitkum on Sunday July 27 were healthily rewarded.
Suncups and runnels were relatively minor.
Thanks for the report and photos skykilo.
Suncups and runnels were relatively minor.
Thanks for the report and photos skykilo.
Thanks Ron and JW for letting me tag along on your trip and for the great photos. The Pinnacle Glalcier is surely a great trip for maximum fun for minimal effort. ;D
Great photos!! ;D Sorry I missed the "Slush Cup" event. Does this mean that we are going to have to add a PFD to our 10 essentials for summertime skiing? :D
Jerry's working out the kinks of posting a pic of Randy's award winning slush run. In the mean time here's Jerry with the the first runner up slush run:
[Pic Removed to comply with site policy - see link below to view]
Additional pics are at: http://groups.msn.com/WildHeartsSkiing/pinnacleslushcup72703.msnw
[Pic Removed to comply with site policy - see link below to view]
Additional pics are at: http://groups.msn.com/WildHeartsSkiing/pinnacleslushcup72703.msnw
A very nice gesture, Lowell.
In your own way, you're becoming a very significant part of the history of PNW ski mountaineering.
Thanks.
In your own way, you're becoming a very significant part of the history of PNW ski mountaineering.
Thanks.
Sorry about the confusion. I don't care where the snow is, as long as its within a day's drive. I just added in there that I live in Spokane. I was in a hurry when I typed this. And yes, I do have the book. There are a few places that are listed as skiable in July, but that always depends on the year, and this year, at least over here, wasn't to good of a year for snow.
Nice report Bill. Sorry I missed your message before you left. I went on a climbing trip out of town over the weekend, and I haven't visited T-A-Y as often as I might recently.
As you mentioned, doing the Buckner trip a bit earlier would be best. In my old rec.skiing.backcountry post:
http://groups.google.com/groups?q=skoog+buckner&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&selm=7n6e9q%24np7%241%40brokaw.wa.com&rnum=1
I suggested mid-June in most years. If you do it...
As you mentioned, doing the Buckner trip a bit earlier would be best. In my old rec.skiing.backcountry post:
http://groups.google.com/groups?q=skoog+buckner&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&selm=7n6e9q%24np7%241%40brokaw.wa.com&rnum=1
I suggested mid-June in most years. If you do it...
ski_photomatt, thanks for the nomination (I think ;) ).
I didn't intrepret your "philosophies" paragraph as critical of others... I just saw it as an interesting philosophy worth contemplation.
skykilo, I couldn't have said it better. I totally agree with you on the subject of "good snow".
You guys bothe seem to be finding the goods quite well. Keep up the good work!!!
I didn't intrepret your "philosophies" paragraph as critical of others... I just saw it as an interesting philosophy worth contemplation.
skykilo, I couldn't have said it better. I totally agree with you on the subject of "good snow".
You guys bothe seem to be finding the goods quite well. Keep up the good work!!!
There's always good snow.
The only question is how hard you are willing to work for it.
Is there a limit to how far you will hike/how high you will climb?
Furthermore, there is no such thing as bad snow.
All snow is good snow, some good snow just presents more opportunity for technique refinement than other good snow.
The only question is how hard you are willing to work for it.
Is there a limit to how far you will hike/how high you will climb?
Furthermore, there is no such thing as bad snow.
All snow is good snow, some good snow just presents more opportunity for technique refinement than other good snow.
After re-reading the last paragraph above, I can see how it might be misinterpreted. It isn't an attack against members of this board, or I'm as guilty as any. I was expressing worry that our power as humans to create our own reality allows us to rest on our laurels and stop questioning or striving for excellence.
I nominate Ron's response as post of the week.
Beaver, I can't remember if you said you have Rainier Burgdorfer's guide book or not. It's called 100 Backcountry Ski Tours in Washington or something similar. If you don't, look in Sponake for it or order it from Amazon. There are directions to a good portion of the places posted about on this board in there. Read the posts, see if there is good snow and go.
Charles, I think you and I share very similar philosophies....
Beaver, I can't remember if you said you have Rainier Burgdorfer's guide book or not. It's called 100 Backcountry Ski Tours in Washington or something similar. If you don't, look in Sponake for it or order it from Amazon. There are directions to a good portion of the places posted about on this board in there. Read the posts, see if there is good snow and go.
Charles, I think you and I share very similar philosophies....
To confirm Tim's assessment I was there yesterday (Wed.) hiking and those areas just below CP and to the immediate west were great. Nice corn, minimal suncups in the higher steeper sections. Basically, anywhere you would want to ski.
I saw a great set of figure 8's further along on the ridge near the portals. Also probably saw faint tracks from Amars venture.
It was so nice that I will be heading out there with my skis tomorrow before the crowds hit.
Alan
I saw a great set of figure 8's further along on the ridge near the portals. Also probably saw faint tracks from Amars venture.
It was so nice that I will be heading out there with my skis tomorrow before the crowds hit.
Alan
My answer to Beaver's questions would have to be that, at this point in a sunny and hot summer, the only GOOD snow is in one's mind.
I'm a little confused, Beaver.
What about the other 3 threads you just posted on?
The Muir Snowfield and the SW Chutes of Mt. Adams are pretty east to find. Are you saying you want the snow to be around Spokane?
What about the other 3 threads you just posted on?
The Muir Snowfield and the SW Chutes of Mt. Adams are pretty east to find. Are you saying you want the snow to be around Spokane?
Amar and Tim, thanks for the great info!
I spent Friday night (July 18) on the Ridge between Coleman Pinnacle and Camp Kaiser. To approach, I skinned across the basin below the Pinnacle and saved maybe an hour from the bare trail around the S. side of CP (3 hours to camp).
Saturday I skied the Shoals Glacier and the bowl W. of CP. Surpisingly good corn on the steeper sections, roudy runnels down below. I didn't ski the Rainbow GL, but it looked like it had 1000' of primo corn waiting.
Saturday I skied the Shoals Glacier and the bowl W. of CP. Surpisingly good corn on the steeper sections, roudy runnels down below. I didn't ski the Rainbow GL, but it looked like it had 1000' of primo corn waiting.