Mar 18, 2010, Crystal East Peak face
3/18/10
WA Cascades West Slopes South (Mt Rainier)
2043
2
Headed over to Crystal Mountain to change it up (knowing there was still fresh lines in the Alpental BC that the 20 or so people couldn't get yesterday. Started the day off w/ a little lift serve and found the conditions needed a little more sun for the knees, so I grabbed Trooper dog and headed up towards the Bullion Basin TH passing a down skier on the way up. Made quick time up the sunny slope on the inch of baked snow from yesterday that remained. Conditions under foot were creamy and fairly smooth w/ a fresh wax from the night before under foot. The coverage on the South slopes are getting thin so get while you can. Heard some talk of Chinook opening by the first of April? Stimbuck- Joke or no Joke?
Not according to DOT:
Updated Mar. 18, 2010
"WSDOT avalanche forecasters have made their initial snow accumulation and avalanche hazard assessment.
On March 16, 2010 avalanche forecasters measured the snow depth to be between 125 to 135 inches. The average for this time of year is about 180 inches.
If weather allows, maintenance crews will have the needed machinery in place to start clearing the roadway the first week in April.
The goal is to have Chinook Pass open for travel by Memorial Day weekend."
Updated Mar. 18, 2010
"WSDOT avalanche forecasters have made their initial snow accumulation and avalanche hazard assessment.
On March 16, 2010 avalanche forecasters measured the snow depth to be between 125 to 135 inches. The average for this time of year is about 180 inches.
If weather allows, maintenance crews will have the needed machinery in place to start clearing the roadway the first week in April.
The goal is to have Chinook Pass open for travel by Memorial Day weekend."
Thanks for the research. Was thinking if we don't make May at Alpental Cinco de Mayo on Naches Peak might be the option( maybe neither).
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