Jan 31, 2010, Mt Rainier, Mazama Ridge
1/31/10
WA Cascades West Slopes South (Mt Rainier)
1760
0
Out with a mixed group of skiers and snowshoe folks on a loop from Paradise to Reflection Lakes, up Mazama Ridge and back to Paradise. It was about 33-35 degrees and snowing much of the day. The first run down from the Paradise lot down to Edith Creek was very stable but dense snow -skiable on fat boards - but heavy. Pleasant tour with good number of newbies to the backcountry. It is always fun to watch them absorb the wonder of winter in the NW (and to watch their clothes soak up the melting snowfall). Great day touring but the downhill sections where nothing to write home about at this elevation.
We skied down Mazama's NW face on our return and the snow was even heavier by mid-afternoon. If it gets colder, its going to need a good 6+ inches to cover the big ruts that will consume many of these faces.
El nino is a drag.
Dr. Telemark
We skied down Mazama's NW face on our return and the snow was even heavier by mid-afternoon. If it gets colder, its going to need a good 6+ inches to cover the big ruts that will consume many of these faces.
El nino is a drag.
Dr. Telemark
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