Dec 5, 2010, Jove South Slope

A few quick notes on the typical Jove day:
On the approach we went through Rainy Pass but varied from Burgdorfer at Rainy Creek.  Instead of heading to the typical Union-Jove saddle we climbed north/NW at the creek crossing (with the road), along the edge of the clearcut in pic 1, to gain the long East Ridge safely in timber.  This did two things for us: we could move out to the big south slope to begin to assess conditions, and gain the summit safely if we decided to still ski the traditional west slope.
We had to be back in Leavenworth by 4:30.  When we gained the 5700 foot saddle on the east ridge we chose to forego the wind impacted summit pitch (evidence of east winds) and ski the south slope from there.  We skied the skiers left edge of the slope to bail into the forest if needed, and leapfrogged down.  This was probably over kill precaution.  After 5 days of settlement, and surprisingly little wind or sun affect, we skied consistent high density settled powder.  This was the first time we ever had the option of skiing safe powder on the south slope!