December 26, 2011, Crystal backcountry

12/26/11

WA Cascades West Slopes South (Mt Rainier)

3229

2

Posted by silaswild on 12/26/11 9:35am

Little new snow at Snoqualmie Pass forced us to make the 2x longer drive to Crystal and it was worthwhile! Six inches of fresh snow in winter normally is not a big deal, but after this month's precipitation it was a godsend. Between 4400-6000' the coverage was soft, above 6000' the wind effects were more noticeable. North slopes skied great, NE had some wind exposed crust, SE seemed fine as did W and SW. There was a brief sunbreak around 11AM, luckily short enough that no crusty damage was done to the soft powder. Many TAY skinners were encountered all along the trail.

Today skiing was a perfect Christmas gift from my very busy daughter, who schooled me on how to go light. Thanks Jennie!

http://vimeo.com/34237677

12/31/11 9:35am

all-mtn

I usually skin an hour from the parking areas, and I use a fanny pack (for 4 hrs of laps). - think pow

12/31/11 11:29pm

silaswild

author=all mtn link=topic=22913.msg97769#msg97769 date=1325368204]
I usually skin an hour from the parking areas, and I use a fanny pack (for 4 hrs of laps). - think pow

How does the probe and shovel fit in there? Gotta say the girl impressed me with her full day tour pack, humbled me and made me proud at the same time. :)

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