Jan 12, 2009, Stevens Pass, Union and Jove Peaks

Skinned in a few miles on Smithbrook Road (NFD 6700), then turned up the hill a few hundred meters beyond where the summer trail begins.  Through the trees on steep south-facing slopes the snow was consolidated and firm, due primarily to snowmelt dripping off tree branches.  Trees here were bare and dry and it looked like summertime in the valley.  Up the south shoulder to gain the main ridge at 5400€™, then up to the summit.  Temps remained in the mid 30€™s and a wet mist hung heavy in the air.  Skinning up this section the snow was thick, wet, heavy, and deep with an ice layer, requiring a herculean effort to cause the tips to emerge.  Stability was surprisingly good despite the heaviness of the snow.  For Jove, traversed the NW ridge of Union, descending 600€™ to a saddle, then ascended 800€™ to Jove summit.  Some good short turns in Jove€™s upper slopes on the way back to the saddle, and again off Union€™s upper ridge.

Mist and clouds made for minimal photos here:

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