January 7, 2012, Mt. Rainier ski-pole arrests

What was I thinking leaving my Voile self-arrest grip at home?

Conditions:
Over half the turns we made today hit the 1/8" ice (blue/clear) layer under 1 to 8" of nice new snow.  Heavier snow off of Mazama Ridge down to Fourth Crossing - best skiing, few times bottoming out on the ice layer.

Not enough snow to cause major problems avy wise, we knew Pan Face would want crampons, so we headed strait up to Golden Gates.  Perfect booting conditions.  Easy to kick through the ice to the snow beneath w/ the ice supporting you arch.

Story:
I knew I was in trouble just after I got out of the wind-scoop and onto the face.  Two turns then my edges let go while trying to side slip.  Dull edges on too much side cut? User error?

Letting go of one pole I arrested w/ the other.  Hmm, both hands clinging to just above my basket while the new loose snow carries my other pole nearly to the bottom of the slope.  Argh.  I need both hands to stay in arrest.  No way to get my skis off w/o hands - too awkward, and If the skis were off, the leashes would still be there.  My edges were not getting a re-purchase.  I let the pole wiggle somehow, loose purchse and slide annother ten feet before arresting.  This time I can hold on one handed and punch an arm through the crust.  Skis off, foot purchase kicked in, SAVED!  Skis off, but now of course I still have to walk down to fetch my other pole.  Only Robie was fool enough to follow, four others wait at the entrance top.  I stay out from under Robie and fetch my pole.  Great excercise. 
We head to the back bowls of Mazama ridge and *cut    it  up*!