Jan 10, 2009, Kendall

Dust on crust at the pass, 6-10" in the open above 5000 ft.  Dug a pit on the W slope at 5400 ft;  compression tests all failed around 15 on the new snow/rain crust interface.  Extended column test did not propagate as the new snow was not slabby.  W winds along the ridge were actively loading E slopes but the few small cornices we kicked off only set off small sluffs (we stayed off them anyway, not due to stability concerns, but lack of motivation).

Skiing was "interesting".  Above 5K, the new snow buffed out significant rain runnels and other texture in the rain soaked snow making turning challenging.  Within 5-10 ft, the new snow depth over the crust varied from 3-10" from the peak to trough of the runnels.  Skiing in the open was better below 5K where the texture of the rain crust was more obvious and thus more predictable.  Skiing was poor below 4500ft in the trees.

I don't have a photographic memory of Commonwealth Creek, but I think it cut a new side channel near the standard crossing to Red/S side Snoqualmie.  All creeks and formally minor feeder streams were blown out and we had a few small hunts for snow bridges.  There wasn't a snow bridge at the standard Commonwealth crossing and crossing looked difficult.  Dunno if it will improve later in the season as the water recedes.  We did see another track that attempted to cross the stream farther up valley but did not see tracks on the other bank to confirm if they were successful.  Future parties headed for S side Snoqualmie or Lundin may want to consider approaching from Sahale Ski Club.