Nov 13, 2011, Sauk Mountain shrub skiing
11/13/11
WA Cascades West Slopes North (Mt Baker)
3903
7
David and I decided to check out the fresh snow in a fresh place. We took a stab in the dark and headed for Sauk Mountain. In his 4Runner we were able to make it to about 3700 feet, just before the slide path, where we decided we couldn't go any further. It provided for excellent skin-from-the-car conditions.
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http://i.imgur.com/UiC00.jpg" />
Just beyond the trail head we entered the first open west facing slope. Pole tests were indicating a very clear layer of about 4 inches low density snow below 6 inches higher density snow. As we crossed the slope this layer became more apparent and eventually we reached a point where there was less shrubbery and the snow was visibly slumping. We poked at it with our skis and set off perhaps the cutest little slab avalanche I have ever seen. A 1 foot crown, 15 foot width and 40 foot run out.
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http://i.imgur.com/2itfp.jpg" />
It only looked less stable up ahead so we turned around at that point and made a few laps in the thicker shrubbery. Best shrub turns of the year thus far. I was able to ski on the road following the 4Runner for an extra 700 feet of machine assisted skiing.
![]()
http://i.imgur.com/JTn1P.jpg" />
Just beyond the trail head we entered the first open west facing slope. Pole tests were indicating a very clear layer of about 4 inches low density snow below 6 inches higher density snow. As we crossed the slope this layer became more apparent and eventually we reached a point where there was less shrubbery and the snow was visibly slumping. We poked at it with our skis and set off perhaps the cutest little slab avalanche I have ever seen. A 1 foot crown, 15 foot width and 40 foot run out.
It only looked less stable up ahead so we turned around at that point and made a few laps in the thicker shrubbery. Best shrub turns of the year thus far. I was able to ski on the road following the 4Runner for an extra 700 feet of machine assisted skiing.
Where is squak mtn? Obviously not in Issaquah.
Hmmm, yes of course. One letter does make a big difference. Our day was spent on Sauk Mountain near Concrete. Thanks for the catch, I have modified the original post.
Good that you were wearing orange then.
Looks like the visibility was Sauk'd in. ::)
author=androolus link=topic=22287.msg95292#msg95292 date=1321280887]
Good that you were wearing orange then.
I thought the orange would be good to wear in attemps to avoid being shot by a hunter mistaking me for a deer in the bushes.
In the end it was a fun adventure...forging a path with the car, skinning from the car, setting off the smallest slide ever, skiing in the bushes, and being chased by a man on skis while driving out.
Winter is here though and it's going to be epic.
Shrubberies? You must be the skiers who say "Neep!"
Good adventure, guys.
Good adventure, guys.
Love the first picture, now that's "skinning from the car"!
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