TR Replies
Actually, you are absolutely correct, the groomer essentially begins as far down in elevation as he needs to. So, if the snow becomes rather deep after milepost 2, this is where the groomer begins. From this perspective, one could argue it's a benefit for us skiers. Although I've known some pretty rugged 4wd vehicles coupled with chains able to get up some pretty hairy FS roads before. The point being is the harassment that we subject ourselves to if one goes beyond the p...
Hummm...
Now if we could say, ah, a shot could that could be a focal point for something like, um, say "Morrison Mud", or some other like sounding concoction???
There could be one laying around somewhere, doncha think?
Bad layers. Yeah, we're having a bad year for it. You'd think we were in the intermountain or continental regions. We're getting a taste of what the folks in Colorado and Utah get to deal with all the time. We don't know what it's li...
Now if we could say, ah, a shot could that could be a focal point for something like, um, say "Morrison Mud", or some other like sounding concoction???
There could be one laying around somewhere, doncha think?
Bad layers. Yeah, we're having a bad year for it. You'd think we were in the intermountain or continental regions. We're getting a taste of what the folks in Colorado and Utah get to deal with all the time. We don't know what it's li...
I agree, the thin snowpack is the big issue this year in the Kendall area, there was only 3' of base in the big trees at the ridgetop near the second knob. However the tree growth issue isn't going to go away like a light snow year will. Fifteen years ago the first mile of the road was in open clearcut, now the trees are 25-30' tall. We snowcamped there once and had a plain view of all the ski areas, I am completely unable to recognize where we camped now.
I'm glad to see the fore...
I'm glad to see the fore...
Mad_Dog, congratulations on number 100! Based on Ron's photo, I'd say you are looking as good as ever - you never seem to have even a finger out of place. Has anyone ever gotten a photo of you not in perfect form (if so, please send it to me, I'll find a good use for it...)?
That weak layer over the rain crust seems to be a common theme right now, and it looks like we're in for more cold 'n' clear so I guess we'll get another weak layer to worry about?
That weak layer over the rain crust seems to be a common theme right now, and it looks like we're in for more cold 'n' clear so I guess we'll get another weak layer to worry about?
Thanks for the additional details, David. I visited ), and now have more questions after having looked at the map for Glacier Creek. It seems to indicate that the groomed trail starts about 1 mile from H...
Tim, are you going with a guide or on your own? The former makes it easy. Just listen to your guide. If the latter, be aware of a hoar frost layer now ~2 feet down (similar to the bed surface of the recent CM fatality accident). This layer had our guides' attention. What a guide would advise: Dig pits to profile the snow, carry probes, do not use safety straps (use ski brakes instead), ski cut the top of open slopes and ski them one at a time and stop in a place of safety, keep with a partner in...
Hey Brent, thanks for the TR on Powder Creek! We Tacoma-based bunch are up there in about a month. I'd like to know even more about the trip and conditions. If you still have my e-mail after our Campbell trip last year, send me a message. If not, post something here! TIA! Tim
I was up at Margaret, just down the road on the 12th, and though I'm sure the trees are growing, the bigger issue is just the thin snowpack. About 30 more inches of snow (70+ showing on the telemetry or as base at the ski area) will make a HUGE difference on the clearcut slopes with all the tight little trees - they'll stop being obstacles and turn into gates. Once we get close to 100 inches most will just go away :D
Hey Charles...as for the regulations, Glacier Creek Road is one of many served by snowmobile lobbyists. In other words, this road is groomed from roughly milepost 7 onward. Any vehicles going beyond milepost 7 and parking even for the day can be fined, as well as be guaranteed to be harassed by out-of-shape snowmobilers. There is a sign at this point in the road that states no vehicles permitted beyond here. You can read more about this by going to Skagit County's w...
pictures at http://wcug.wwu.edu/~dan/retzlaff/muir2003a
Nice report, Don.
By all means, share your pic links with us.
By all means, share your pic links with us.
Thanks CW, I'm always looking for new partners who want to try it out.
Here's an article on making lines:
http://server35.hypermart.net/skijor/line_article.html
They'll often drag my gear and I'll ski behind all that, tied in. That can get pretty weird.
Regarding suitable trails, grades, I'm still coming to grips with it, even after 6 years of skiing under dog power. I've found, basically anything in the Kirkendall-Spring series is ideal. Skinning un...
Here's an article on making lines:
http://server35.hypermart.net/skijor/line_article.html
They'll often drag my gear and I'll ski behind all that, tied in. That can get pretty weird.
Regarding suitable trails, grades, I'm still coming to grips with it, even after 6 years of skiing under dog power. I've found, basically anything in the Kirkendall-Spring series is ideal. Skinning un...
David
great report on a place many of us from the Puget sound area do not get a chance to ski. How many miles can you do with those dogs? How steep on a up incline do you climb. Do you have any sort of "give" in your line between you and your dogs? what happens if you fall??
Geez if you ever need a new partner for a trip like that drop a line it sounds like a great time in a nice area.
CW
great report on a place many of us from the Puget sound area do not get a chance to ski. How many miles can you do with those dogs? How steep on a up incline do you climb. Do you have any sort of "give" in your line between you and your dogs? what happens if you fall??
Geez if you ever need a new partner for a trip like that drop a line it sounds like a great time in a nice area.
CW
You call that a ski tour Dave? Baaaa! Child's play my friend ... child's play!!! ;)
In all seriousness congrats on a climb successful. I was driving by Baker on my way to Whistler on Friday as the sun was going down ... it was a memorable sunset ... the mountain loomed large ... glad to hear you were there up close and personal. I knew you were there and had the feeling you guys were going to town. Glad you were safe and took advantage of the we...
In all seriousness congrats on a climb successful. I was driving by Baker on my way to Whistler on Friday as the sun was going down ... it was a memorable sunset ... the mountain loomed large ... glad to hear you were there up close and personal. I knew you were there and had the feeling you guys were going to town. Glad you were safe and took advantage of the we...
One more note worth mentioning - any poorly supported slopes much over 25 degrees (road cut edges, tree wells, etc.) that we passed and I ski tested slid quite readily. There was a very weak layer down there - will be interesting to see if it strengthens with freezing or remains. We were on mostly S through W aspects.
bill, we dug a pit at the very top and found very good bonding. the crust was quite thin, noticeable but not at all slick. same for lower elevations, noticed via pole probing, i think the cold temps kept the crust in check...
thanks for the reply. I thought it might have been 3 sided as someone coming up to a Rblock should not be able to influence it since it is freestanding. On a 3 sided block the energy transfer was carrying over from the person inching up to it. Same results on this test - leave.
it was three sided. it slid as a unit and was very unambiguous. i had no second thoughts about turning around, particularly since in know that slope doesn't have much in the way of tree protection.
Greg,
thanks for the pit info. I am curious to know if your Rblock was three-sided or completely free standing.
It sounds as if you guys made a good decision to ski on the anchored slopes.
thanks for the pit info. I am curious to know if your Rblock was three-sided or completely free standing.
It sounds as if you guys made a good decision to ski on the anchored slopes.
ema,
how did you find the new knee deep bonding with the sun/rain crust below?
Bill G
how did you find the new knee deep bonding with the sun/rain crust below?
Bill G
i was with silas and did the pit tests. i dug about 3 feet down and found several layers of firm crust covered by 8 inches of fresh. i did some shovel tests and found a consistent easy shear layer one inch above the most recent crust. so basically you had the old crust, an inch of fresh, a shear layer, then 7 more inches of fresh. i dug a rutshblock and as silas inched up to it to do a skier weight test the top 7 inches slid off as a slab before he even got on top of it....
Ema Yodelin is a fine little ski. I haven't been there in years but always enjoyed.Our group would refer to it as 'short and sassy' ;D. I think there was at one time a lift and small ski area there. Nice thing about the location was you could always sneak in another run on Heather Ridge on your way home.Thanks for the report
Thanks for the report, Jim. Very timely for me as I am considering checking out Nordic Pass tomorrow. Forecast calls for 6-12" new at lowering FLs (raining there now) and convergence zone action, so if that happens over the firm base, it could be OK.
Edit: could you click on the "modify" link by your post and type in the number for "DAY" in the topic line?
Edit: could you click on the "modify" link by your post and type in the number for "DAY" in the topic line?
I guess I get to be the first to say...WOW! Impressive trip, David, especially with the frozen conditions, although I guess that made the climbing easier - good thing you didn't have deep powder the whole way.
What are the "winter regulations" you refer to - gate, end of plowing? Is a sno-park permit nedded for parking? Also, you mentioned snowmobiles on your last report - are they allowed to go on the last mile of snow-covered road, and if not, do they go anyway?
What are the "winter regulations" you refer to - gate, end of plowing? Is a sno-park permit nedded for parking? Also, you mentioned snowmobiles on your last report - are they allowed to go on the last mile of snow-covered road, and if not, do they go anyway?
Thank for the report, Silas. I'm wondering if you would provide some more details about the conditions you found heading into Union Creek drainage which made you decide not to keep going? With recent events re-emphasizing the importance of avalanche hazard evaluation, I think that this kind of info can be very useful to everyone.
It seemed like there were a good 3-4 feet of snow at the overlook to Snow Lake (and Source Lake is still barely visible). Don't know how that might translate to Nordic Pass tree skiing as I'm not familiar with that area yet. The skis are great - much more control.
No, I didn't know that, but it sounds interesting. I hope he skipped the month-long first part of trying to drag boats up the Elwah! Do you have an email address for him?
Charles ,Did you know that Gary Peniston( another Tacoma ski buddy) did a ski recreation of the Press expeditiion? Has a slide show of it also.
Thanks for the report, Bill - keep 'em coming from "out west". I am hoping to start doing a little exploring in the Olympics this spring (I've been getting psyched while reading accounts of early explorations there - Press expedition, O'Neil explorations).
Thanks for the report Mike. So what do you think about the likely coverage around Nordic Pass now? I'm hoping that the solid base will enable some reasonable skiing in the woods soon - new snow is supposed to be coming in starting this weekend.
Those were your first turns on your new skis? How do you like them - are you suddenly a better skier (as I found when I got mine)?
Those were your first turns on your new skis? How do you like them - are you suddenly a better skier (as I found when I got mine)?
Ron, thanks for the great photo (and for choosing one where I look OK)! Now we've got to get Mad_Dog out there for the big 1-0-0.
Wow Charles, you look better than just ok!!
I'm ready for 1-0-0!!!! Just got back from London were we had been snowed in at Heathrow for a couple of days. Shoot they only had one inch of snow, but it was enought to shut down 4 runways and cancel several flights. We were finally able to get home via Chicago t...
Pack weight: Start w/ 40lbs, take out one lb for every yr of experience.
We knew we would be mostly below tree-line so we knew emergency heat and shelter would not be a problem.
2lb down Feathered Friends overbag w/ Goretex shell (4" of loft)
Ridge-rest deluxe- full lenth.
Underwear: med wt, exp wt, fleece jkt, down vest, light Gortex shell, gloves, mittens, overmits, 1x spare socks (sleeping) Its almost an art to keep all this dry.
8oz. siltarp to sleep o...
We knew we would be mostly below tree-line so we knew emergency heat and shelter would not be a problem.
2lb down Feathered Friends overbag w/ Goretex shell (4" of loft)
Ridge-rest deluxe- full lenth.
Underwear: med wt, exp wt, fleece jkt, down vest, light Gortex shell, gloves, mittens, overmits, 1x spare socks (sleeping) Its almost an art to keep all this dry.
8oz. siltarp to sleep o...
I agree that the easterly flow is key, and fortunately the Snoqualmie Pass telemetry sites are well situated to show the flow, as Matt illustrated. If there is good snow on the top of the snowpack, that flow can definitely keep it in good shape despite high FLs, but if the snow is crusty or otherwise bad, that same flow can keep it bad even when places like Paradise and Baker have warmed up due to being farther W (away from the Crest) and out of the flow of cold air. I would guess that is the ca...
yeah Robie, it does run out soon, but I had to make the best of a "bad" situation yesterday.
As for the conditions up there yesterday, right above PanPt, it warmed up enough in the afternoon to melt that supporting crust, so you did find your way down into the slop. The snowfield was in fine shape, powder on a crust that you could punch thru with your ski pole. It will be interesting to see how that consolidates in the next month or so.
As for the conditions up there yesterday, right above PanPt, it warmed up enough in the afternoon to melt that supporting crust, so you did find your way down into the slop. The snowfield was in fine shape, powder on a crust that you could punch thru with your ski pole. It will be interesting to see how that consolidates in the next month or so.
Yes, thanks for the info on Muir. Having been at the lower elevations above Paradise on Sunday, I was hoping for a report from up higher for comparative purposes. It sounds like the supporting crust we were finding under the new snow on Sunday had weakened to produce the "sloppy,sloppy,sloppy" snow you found down lower on Tuesday.
Great, Allen. Yeah, I think Megan will really get used to that setup.
Thanks for the great TR.
Thanks for the great TR.
Disgusting ! Doesn't your unemployment run out pretty soon? (Actually quite envious!) :)
Ski Photomatt ,I definitely agree with your analysis of cold East air through the pass. Lots of folks stay home when they see the high freezing level and ignore "except at road level in the passes " Keep up the good reports .
Check out the temps up there now at 1700(5pm) Monday eve and then check Snoqualomie.Is that a inversion or what ?
There are probably two things happening here. Primarily, the temperature difference is due to the cold easterly winds (from the east) at Snoqualmie Pass. Wind goes from high to low pressure; the high pressure is somewhere east of us, so the wind moves from Eastern Washington across the Cascades to Puget Sound, takin...
Charles excellent photo of Muir. It's now up on my desktop!
And you ain't lookin' too bad yourself. 8)
And you ain't lookin' too bad yourself. 8)
Thanks for the recognition and kind words, Charles and Paul.
James,
Would you elaborate on that 25lb. packs contents? That's an amazing # for a trip like that. If I was doing that trip in the spring, i'd probably have 35 or 40lbs. I must be doing something wrong, eh?
Thanks
Would you elaborate on that 25lb. packs contents? That's an amazing # for a trip like that. If I was doing that trip in the spring, i'd probably have 35 or 40lbs. I must be doing something wrong, eh?
Thanks
Check out the temps up there now at 1700(5pm) Monday eve and then check Snoqualomie.Is that a inversion or what ?
Thanks for the TR, James. We were beginning to get worried about you. Especially after Nick and group's accident. I think you had lots of folks from this forum, the CC forum and the Mountaineers saying some prayers. It was a real pleasure to hear the news reports that you'd arrived safely. BTW, don't Maxiglide bases and expect skins to stick; it don't work! I too have a FF 20° bag (with the Goretex shell). But I nearly always take a VBL both for the extra warmth in really cold conditions...
Great picture, Charles. Glad the folks found skiable snow. I work Sundays and the sunset from my marina in Tacoma was really cool! Everything was sort of fushcia/purple: the sky, the water and all the reflected light. I could see the alpenglow on Baker from our front windows. Very nice! I've been fighting a bad back the last couple weeks so I'm getting my ski-jollies vicariously! ;)
still sounds better than going to work . thank you for recounting it for us . thank you very much .
Congrats Ron! It ain't easy and one can lose motiviation at times, but its worth all the effort! The milestone deserves at least one beer if not several. 8)