Jan 16, 2009, Lake Ann Tour (Baker)
1/16/09
WA Cascades West Slopes North (Mt Baker)
2188
1
Three of us took a tour out to the Lake Ann area with no expectations other than good company, exercise, mountain views, and sun. To our surprise, we also found pleasant corn-like conditions and great turns on the 1000 vf south facing slope leading up from Lake Ann northward to Shuksan Arm.
Regarding other snow conditions ¦ they varied, and skiing them was just survival. Above 4500 ft on anything non-forested and not directly in the sun, we found breakable crust over mostly dry snow (down a couple of feet). In forested areas, we found crust over wet snow and wet snow without any crust (some of it very unconsolidated - full ski pole penetration with ease). We didnt even try to ski a north aspect.
It was quite a long way to go for turns, but if you think tour during this inversion period then any turns are a bonus. Quite an enjoyable day. I didn't carry a camera, but one in our party did - maybe he will post a picture.
Regarding other snow conditions ¦ they varied, and skiing them was just survival. Above 4500 ft on anything non-forested and not directly in the sun, we found breakable crust over mostly dry snow (down a couple of feet). In forested areas, we found crust over wet snow and wet snow without any crust (some of it very unconsolidated - full ski pole penetration with ease). We didnt even try to ski a north aspect.
It was quite a long way to go for turns, but if you think tour during this inversion period then any turns are a bonus. Quite an enjoyable day. I didn't carry a camera, but one in our party did - maybe he will post a picture.
Sorry it took so long. Here are a few pictures
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