November 20, 2004, Yellow Aster Butte, Mt Baker
11/20/04
WA Cascades West Slopes North (Mt Baker)
2637
1
We were able to drive right up to the tail head in about 8" snow at ~3600'. We followed the summer trail to near the Gold Run Pass. There was 2~3' in the open, much less in the trees. Stupidly, we decided to make a short cut up to the basin below the east of the butte ridge. It looked from below easy and resonable, but soon we were struggling through thick, steep brush and tree.
Finally we got the the basin, and a party of two caught up to us. Gary Brill and Carl Skoog had a similar idea and were heading to the butte. We all were enjoying this beatifull tour: sun shine, powder, solitude. The upper slope to the ridge top was somewhat wind affected. The short west slopes down to the lakes looked inviting with nice soft powder, but we were just happy with the gorgeous scenery around us. Tomyhoi, Larabee, Border Peeks, and of course Shuksan, Baker. Skiing down was quick in the new snow with minimal of early season obstacles. Two of us took a quick side trip up to Gold Run Pass. The north side did not look too great, at least for now.
The exciting part was a toboggan run down the narrow trail with 4~6" cover, and it was FAST. Gary and Rich put skins on for more speed control. Carl and I did a lot of scraping down to the dirt. We all made it fine to the cars.
This weekend will probably be the last time you can drive up to that far with more snow expected this week. A great ski tour.
Finally we got the the basin, and a party of two caught up to us. Gary Brill and Carl Skoog had a similar idea and were heading to the butte. We all were enjoying this beatifull tour: sun shine, powder, solitude. The upper slope to the ridge top was somewhat wind affected. The short west slopes down to the lakes looked inviting with nice soft powder, but we were just happy with the gorgeous scenery around us. Tomyhoi, Larabee, Border Peeks, and of course Shuksan, Baker. Skiing down was quick in the new snow with minimal of early season obstacles. Two of us took a quick side trip up to Gold Run Pass. The north side did not look too great, at least for now.
The exciting part was a toboggan run down the narrow trail with 4~6" cover, and it was FAST. Gary and Rich put skins on for more speed control. Carl and I did a lot of scraping down to the dirt. We all made it fine to the cars.
This weekend will probably be the last time you can drive up to that far with more snow expected this week. A great ski tour.
