Dec 26, 2010, Tatoosh

We spent the night in our usual room at Nisqually Lodge, so were able to pass through the gate at 8:30. What difference a day makes. There was about 3" of new at Narada, and it was snowing and blowing all day, particularly up high. at least 10F colder from the previous day. Again no help with the trail breaking. No problem until Reflection Lakes, then it was tough up towards the Castle. It was deep. Tougher than the day before. Full on storm as we entered the upper basin. By that time there was around 6" of new over any crust. We climbed maybe 2/3 of the upper basin and turned around. I can only remember a couple times when the wind and snow were this bad up there. Slow downhill skiing in this stuff without a decent angle. We got some skiing down into the trees then ran up just into the upper basin for another before calling it good. Took the x-country route over the saddle for a few more turns, then Narada Face, which had a few inches of new to make it look good, but not enough to sufficiently cover the crust. Still didn't ski too bad though. Sorry, but pictures were scarce in those conditions.