December 26, 2003, Snoqualmie Pass

Sampled the clearcuts, glades, and logging roads yesterday, and they were delicious! The new fluff was as described by the avalanche hotline - well bonded and nice profile. We saw no signs of wind on the snow surface on any aspect  (travelling mostly on W through S aspects) other than at the ridge top around 5,700, including on some slopes that are almost always pure styrofoam. From about 2,700-3,500, the new snow in the forest was a little thin on top of a breakable crust (a lot still hanging up in the trees), but in open areas there was about 8" on top of a skiable crust. Up higher (esp. above 5K), the fluff got deeper and the base got softer which allowed for a nice bottomless feel to turns, but even down lower the turning was great, if fast. There were no tree bombs down from the most recent snow, so the skiing was wonderful in the forest. The skiing is still a tad tight in clearcuts and brushy areas below 3,500 (the low side of stumps are getting filled in well, but some downed logs are still providing obstacles), but it's getting w/in the range of reasonableness.  

Safety aside, the new snow coming tonight/tomorrow should make for some amazing turns!