2008, June 8, Chinook Pass

Figuring that the reports yesterday of impenetrable fog and depthless slush were just to throw us off, or that it at least might be better today, Fred and I went for Chinook Pass, found a few other like-minded parties and numerous skin tracks to use, and indeed better conditions with no wasted hiking in and hiking out. What a playground! First time there at the right time. There was about 4 inches of soft snow on lots of base, with skis penetrating 1-2 inches skinning most areas. Fog came and went, in and out. We parked at the small lot S of Yakima Pk, did a couple of laps on SW side then up and down E side to large lot a couple of times and then across to Naches N-NW side. It was wet slushy and sluffy and but we set off just small pinwheels and some big snowballs for the most part. One party we met had initiated a bigger wet slide at top of ridge on Naches. By 2:30 it seemed too wet and cooked to continue. We missed the Jeanette memorial tour but also thought of her and hope she is back out real soon.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/don_brubeck/sets/72157605506770066/