November 20, 2004, Nisqually Chutes
11/20/04
WA Cascades West Slopes South (Mt Rainier)
2640
3
Andrew Oakley and I enjoyed a rare day of perfect visibility agove Paradise. Lenticular on summit that went as far down as Gibraltar, expected occasional high abrasive gusts of wind once above Pan Pt. Skinning over the Pt generally more pleasant than three weeks ago. We set off without a firm destination. PG? McClure Rock? Anvil? After seeing a group of three drop the Chutes a half hour prior, and as the wind gusts got more frequent nearing 8000, and with the snow obviously wind affected and undoubtedly would be more so had we gone higher, and ummm some general slacker resistance to going much higher, the die was cast. Into the Chutes!
The Chutes were not immune to ice or crust, but it sure seemed like better snow than we had seen from 7000 on up. Kinda a heavy compacted midwinter semipowder, which encouraged occasional leaps to break free but was generally fun turns, especially on something as reasonably steep as the Chutes. Occasional lurking rocks were discovered, a good day for the Hexcels to see some more action. 15 minutes after us came many more Chuters, and many fine tracks were laid down.
As we regained the main area from near the moraine, the Paradisneyand scene was in full swing - snowboarders building booters, tourist hordes, snowshoers getting a 3PM start etc.. There might actually have been more coverage down low on 10/31, it was REAL warm and things were obviously melting. The snow too had kind of a spring vibe.
The Chutes were not immune to ice or crust, but it sure seemed like better snow than we had seen from 7000 on up. Kinda a heavy compacted midwinter semipowder, which encouraged occasional leaps to break free but was generally fun turns, especially on something as reasonably steep as the Chutes. Occasional lurking rocks were discovered, a good day for the Hexcels to see some more action. 15 minutes after us came many more Chuters, and many fine tracks were laid down.
As we regained the main area from near the moraine, the Paradisneyand scene was in full swing - snowboarders building booters, tourist hordes, snowshoers getting a 3PM start etc.. There might actually have been more coverage down low on 10/31, it was REAL warm and things were obviously melting. The snow too had kind of a spring vibe.
I'm not sure if we were ahead or behind you, but there seemed to be lines for all.
Looks like you were part of the 5 (Or 2 and 3 separate groups?) we saw come in just as we reached the flats; we were just in front of you.
I was the first to test whether the carved-out drainage in the middle section was hiding some rocks underneath or in suspension. Crsshhhh... Um, yup. But still totally worth it.
I was the first to test whether the carved-out drainage in the middle section was hiding some rocks underneath or in suspension. Crsshhhh... Um, yup. But still totally worth it.
I was in the group of 3 that were the first ones down the chutes. I have to say that it was a pretty good run, I agree with the snow observations...but given my expectations it was quite fine... The second pitch, after the dog-leg to the left was pretty damn nice..again..low expectations....but sadly the best snow was the very low angle stuff at the moraine.
Given that we weren't the first up we were happy to have the first tracks down the chute!
We hiked up and out then played on the kickers built by the snowboarders....asside from one minor explosion and impact (the last jump) it was all good.
The Snow Troll
Given that we weren't the first up we were happy to have the first tracks down the chute!
We hiked up and out then played on the kickers built by the snowboarders....asside from one minor explosion and impact (the last jump) it was all good.
The Snow Troll
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