June 24, 2010, Castle-Foss Traverse
6/24/10
2983
1
We arrived at Paradise late afternoon on the 23rd, and I chatted with a couple of descending skiers who described deep unconsolidated conditions along their descent from Muir. OK, well watch the movie at the Visitor Center and drink cold ones as the sun sets. The alpine glow over the Tatoosh with the moon beaming above the range and a cloud glowing over Rainier were a great way to complete a sunny day at Paradise.
The 24th was another sunny day at Paradise. We drove down to Reflection Lake just as the ole gray fox came strolling by, heading for the tourists at Paradise. There are still approximately 5-7 foot snow banks at the Reflection Lake TH. The skin up to Castle was pleasant in the morning sun. By hugging the tree line, I was able to ascend on firm snow in the shade for most of the climb. The coverage is excellent around Castle and Pinnacle Peaks. I encountered soft unconsolidated snow along the traverse on the north side between Castle and Foss. The descent from Foss was pleasant with wide skis. Sun cups were soft and manageable on the steep pitches. On the flats the sun cups were getting deep. The lower quarters of my descents off Foss are always an adventure. I seem to invariably find a new route that adds some spice to the run. This time I skied the Sunbeam Creek upper halfpipe, including passing the waterfall skier left that got my attention. These things never seem to happen when Im with Jarvis. ;) I ended up on the steep snow bank on the east side of Sunbeam Creek at the bridge. You definitely want to end your descent on the west side of the creek. There is still great coverage on Foss. Heading on south with my non-skiing buddy¦.
The 24th was another sunny day at Paradise. We drove down to Reflection Lake just as the ole gray fox came strolling by, heading for the tourists at Paradise. There are still approximately 5-7 foot snow banks at the Reflection Lake TH. The skin up to Castle was pleasant in the morning sun. By hugging the tree line, I was able to ascend on firm snow in the shade for most of the climb. The coverage is excellent around Castle and Pinnacle Peaks. I encountered soft unconsolidated snow along the traverse on the north side between Castle and Foss. The descent from Foss was pleasant with wide skis. Sun cups were soft and manageable on the steep pitches. On the flats the sun cups were getting deep. The lower quarters of my descents off Foss are always an adventure. I seem to invariably find a new route that adds some spice to the run. This time I skied the Sunbeam Creek upper halfpipe, including passing the waterfall skier left that got my attention. These things never seem to happen when Im with Jarvis. ;) I ended up on the steep snow bank on the east side of Sunbeam Creek at the bridge. You definitely want to end your descent on the west side of the creek. There is still great coverage on Foss. Heading on south with my non-skiing buddy¦.
That's a great trip.
I'll bet you enticed your non-skiing ski buddy to move the rig and pick you up at the sunbeam creek pullout, you sly dog.
It's always fun to find new lines and you can't know too many :)
Have a fantastic trip south with your ski buddy and here's to her rapid return to the snow.
I'll bet you enticed your non-skiing ski buddy to move the rig and pick you up at the sunbeam creek pullout, you sly dog.
It's always fun to find new lines and you can't know too many :)
Have a fantastic trip south with your ski buddy and here's to her rapid return to the snow.
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