Dec 30h - Yodelin tree ski

Given the avy forecast for Friday we thought  a tree ski was in order.  Cresting Stevens Pass at 9:00 there was one big cluster as all the lots were full and the poor lot folks were directing traffic to the Yodelin lot and use of the bus shuttle.  At Yodelin there were maybe 8 cars but by the time we suited up and took off it was almost full.  Another reason to avoid the lifts.

We took enough time getting ready that a young party of 3 graciously led up the skin track but it appeared only this party and us took the time to reach the 5k ft high point and ski the old growth.  Seems a couple other parties were happy to ski the open areas and less elevation of the west knob. 

The wind was picking up on the ridge and north east aspects were getting noticeably wind packed.  It started snowing in earnest on our way down.  We made the mistake of going down to far in the trees, traversing low on that flat bench, and diving off downhill too much east, which required about a 35 ft side-step up.  Who need the stairmaster.  About 18 inches of new snow up high - it wasn't powder but was pretty light and manageable.  The last 100 ft to the lot gave me a new yardstick for Cascade Cement.  Overall a fun day.