April 25, 2004, Teanaway, Earl Peak

An intrepid group, Chris, Al, Dina, Charles, and Russ headed out for a ski tour up Bean Creek to Earl Peak.  Access to the trailhead was limited by several snow patches which could be easily crossed with high axel vehicles.  The trail up Bean Creek was clear for the first half mile and probably should be hiked for probably a mile.  The snow under the trees was compact but spotty.  Southern and Eastern slopes softened early and by 1pm Western slopes were also nice, with several inches of corn on a solid base.  We postponed the ski from the summit to allow it to soften more.

Several spectacular runs were made throughout the day.  The first was made along the northwest ridge of Earl Peak.  Solid snow with an inch or so of corn gave way to deeper mush down below, but certainly still nice skiing. This was a southwest facing slope.  The next run was from the summit of Earl Peak.  Several thousand feet of nice corn through one of the gullies just below the summit was the highlight of the day.  Another run was made in the basin on southwest facing slopes at the end of the day without too much gain in sloppiness of the snow.  All in all the snow stayed nice throughout the day.

Matt