May 18, 2008, McClure Rock - MRNP

The MadDog and I were a bit taken back by the lack of slough/slide evidence in light of the two prior days of blazing temps and logical forcasts to be wary of spring slide activity.

The skin up the mountain a ways staying mostly on low angle terrain revealed a pretty stable snowpack with about a ski thickness in penetration in most places.  Nonetheless while lunching below McClure Rock we witnessed a huge east facing cornice fall into the Paradise River drainage with near boxcar sized blocks crashing down to the river bottom below.  (We surmised it might have been quite a show for the two hikers nearby.)


The ski down was mostly creamed corn with the an occasional grabby spot on the flats just to provide balance practice.




We wrapped up the tour with a "self guided" tour of the newly reopened Paradise Inn.  A shiny new tribute t the mountain it is -- but we sadly confirmed the rumor of the elimination of the old Glacier Bar.  We did find out that beer will be available in the lobby consession shop in a couple more weeks (possibly by the first weekend in June?).
A few more Pics are posted here.