December 2, 2011, Mt. Rainier, Pan Point
12/2/11
WA Cascades West Slopes South (Mt Rainier)
2343
1
Friday was an absolutely beautiful day but conditions were about the worst I've seen in the Pan Point area. Lots of rocks, ice, windblown, rain crust, more ice...did I mention the ice? Just climbing the upper part of Pan Point required a bit of attention if you didn't have crampons. On the positive side we found some reasonable turns in the upper Edith Creek basin and as long as you've got a wide ski should be able to ride it out. The Muir snowfield itself could be fine but we didn't go quite that far. If nothing else, it was a good day to practice your skills in 'variable' conditions but more snow is needed. Maybe that's why we were the only ones up there?