December 11, 2010, Snoqualmie Pass

Wanted one more trip before the storm, so the Pass it was. Crust up to ~4.2k, variable stratigraphy above. Snowed continuously all day, with westbound wind at pass level.  By noonish, even higher elevation snow was going upside down. Got one small but respectable settlement in a clearing at 5.2k, which was enough to keep me out of bolder lines for the descent. Found lots of Q1-2ish shears at 5-6" down above 4k.

The first turns off my high point were some of the better ones of the season (knee+ on 105mm skis), but the glade I skied still needs another foot or two of base to be really fun. Nothing moved on the descent, sheltered snow up high was heavy but smoothly unconsolidated. Wet and breakable down low. ~3" on the car when I left at 2:45. Rain line was ~Exit 45.

Photo just to show conditions in some places above 5k. Ski penetration to 6", pole penetration to the handle.