12/11/10 Paradise
12/11/10
WA Cascades West Slopes South (Mt Rainier)
2092
2
Way to go for NOAA getting the forecast exactly right...2-3 days beforehand! With the knowledge that freezing levels at 2k were to hit 8k by 6pm or so we made it up about noon for a few beginner runs. Light powder turned heavier and ice pellets started at about 3pm with rain mixed with snow by 4pm. Two great runs below treeline. Excellent beginner conditions for Nicole a newbie to touring.... love the little halfpipes around the paradise lodge area.
We had the same idea. Got through the gate around 8:15 and headed out to Indian Cliff. Got in 9 laps before stability became too iffy. Set off a small slab near the ridgeline, small 6 in crown about 15 feet across. Ran pretty slow to treeline. Enough was enough, it was apparent the mountain was ready for us to leave. We couldnt get anything to move earlier in the day, but the warming was taking its toll. Sick day, glad to make last call before Pineapple hit the reset button.
WE were on the north end of ridge and were glad to get our powder runs in before turning to sponge. We were getting needles early,then ice crystals then the wet stuff. Couldn't make a snowball when we got there at 9am. Very few people there.
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