June 13, 2010, Naches Peak Orbit
6/13/10
WA Cascades East Slopes South
2115
2
Rob and I haven't been to Chinook Pass all season so we were impressed with the depth of the snow pack. The biggest challenge on the west side near Tipsoo Lake is finding a low spot to get on top of the snowbank. The lowest spot we found had steps punched in and was about 7-8' high. There was a friendly sign at the top of the snowbank. "Caution Thin Ice". On the east side of the pass the pullout is available on the south side along with the parking area on the north side with the 2 buried toilets. We parked near Tipsoo as Rob and Carla were just departing. We did the appropriate "senior stutter" to allow them sufficient time to set a nice track. We finally departed about 9am and the sounds of motorcyles along the road finally disappeared as we hugged the trees to squander the shade. We started with ski crampons on and they helped when Rob and Carla started to go vertical on the south facing slope. Things were getting warm quickly but there were no releases during our ascent.
When we reached the top above the cornices, there was finally a slight breeze that helped easy the baking feeling we were experiencing. When Rob stopped to pull his skins and ski crampons he realized he lost one of his crampons. We were unable to find it. BUT, when we finished the tour some kind soul picked it up and placed it next to the "Thin Ice" sign. Thanks to the person who found it and returned it.
OK the views from the top were great but we could see a few clouds approaching from the west. I took a picture of the snow pack in the Sunrise area and it looks great. The snowpack on Pt. 6567, known by many as Zap's Peak, is excellent and I've also posted a photo. We descended east thru a low spot between the cornices and initiated mushy sliders and hissers. Our fat skis penetrated 3-4" easily. We continued the orbit counter clockwise towards Chinook Pass and finally encountered the old avy debris. A few days ago when I saw the photos of the crown and debris, I was surprised at the size and distance the avy traveled. It was huge. I posted a photo looking up towards the crown which faces Northeast. We continued above Chinook Pass to the tree runs which face north and descended the last run before entering the large bowl. The best snow was on the north aspect. No one had skied the open bowl and there were a few large releases. It looked "ready to go".
There will be touring opportunities in the Chinook Pass area for weeks.
As we were leaving some boarders were heading up to build a kicker plus they brought their wakeboard to cross the lake. I wish we had time to watch that event. ;)
When we reached the top above the cornices, there was finally a slight breeze that helped easy the baking feeling we were experiencing. When Rob stopped to pull his skins and ski crampons he realized he lost one of his crampons. We were unable to find it. BUT, when we finished the tour some kind soul picked it up and placed it next to the "Thin Ice" sign. Thanks to the person who found it and returned it.
OK the views from the top were great but we could see a few clouds approaching from the west. I took a picture of the snow pack in the Sunrise area and it looks great. The snowpack on Pt. 6567, known by many as Zap's Peak, is excellent and I've also posted a photo. We descended east thru a low spot between the cornices and initiated mushy sliders and hissers. Our fat skis penetrated 3-4" easily. We continued the orbit counter clockwise towards Chinook Pass and finally encountered the old avy debris. A few days ago when I saw the photos of the crown and debris, I was surprised at the size and distance the avy traveled. It was huge. I posted a photo looking up towards the crown which faces Northeast. We continued above Chinook Pass to the tree runs which face north and descended the last run before entering the large bowl. The best snow was on the north aspect. No one had skied the open bowl and there were a few large releases. It looked "ready to go".
There will be touring opportunities in the Chinook Pass area for weeks.
As we were leaving some boarders were heading up to build a kicker plus they brought their wakeboard to cross the lake. I wish we had time to watch that event. ;)
Zap - good to see you completed the orbit. Prestonf and I (actually Prestonf) found the crampon and placed it in the most obvious place we could see. We're glad it found its owner. We parked in the main Naches Peak parking lot and traversed our way across the north and northwest aspects...good to hear that is where you found the best snow - we were suspecting that was the case, but you never know!!
author=spltbrdr link=topic=16915.msg71205#msg71205 date=1276478320]
Prestonf and I (actually Prestonf) found the crampon and placed it in the most obvious place we could see. We're glad it found its owner. We parked in the main Naches Peak parking lot and traversed our way across the north and northwest aspects...good to hear that is where you found the best snow - we were suspecting that was the case, but you never know!!
Thanks for picking up the crampon. You definitely selected the best aspect to ride.
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