Snow Conditions Chair Peak Area

A friend and I went up to have a look at climbing Chair Peak on Saturday. The route we had in mind wasn't a good idea, so we turned back and walked down the ridge from the NE buttress of Chair peak down to the Snow Lake saddle. The purpose of writing this is to note that snow conditions are good up there with 8 to 14 inches of powder on top of a firm, well settled base (estimated 1 to 3 feet). Skiing should be good on any of the north facing aspects, but be sure to check the avalanche report before venturing into this area of course (on Saturday, it was low below 5K feet, moderate above). We saw no slide activity and snow seemed to be "right side up" in the sense that there was creamy powder bonding to a firm base. Snow didn't become heavy until about 4400 feet or so, and it snowed all day.

It looked good over there from Alpental last Wednesday.<br><br>Did Snow Lake look frozen? (thinking about a maybe dawn patrol tour of the north slope down to Snow Lake this week - did the slopes below the N face look well-covered?)

It was kind of hard to tell on Saturday due to snow and fog, but the lake looked to be covered with snow, so I'd have to guess that coverage would be good all the way down to the lake. There was adequate coverage and new snow at the saddle just above Snow Lake, so with the new snow and colder temps up there now, I'd guess yes, it should be good.

Thanks!<br><br>Did you take the Snow Lake trail, or was there enough coverage to go straight up the valley?<br>

Both... we walked the trail past Source Lake, then veered right up a nice boot track that brought us up and into the valley.  Unfortunately, neither of us brought skis or snow shoes and we paid the price in the valley.  We managed to get a little climbing in to get up to the ridge (very little - just messing around). <br><br>http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0dAAAAD4kC1BqY85R4DbWatQLg35OEkdiwtBd3yWUIKSe5jbVXK36aSJ66WqOHdpUbLR4jsPbb4QuT*TC*Cqdpl6GEXLNtj!gbHVb*UIG1UU02BgBLFs1vm!pE7YYaQwNXZeT7!HXnNkwJsDy8KvGHvIW2IKG052IVz06GGuj8rM/Nick%20Mixed%20M6%20Full%20Scottisch%20Conditions.jpg?dc=4675510161490827963 <br><br><br>To get back to the saddle, we walked all along the very top of the ridge until it broadened out.  So I'd recommend going up to the saddle, then up the ridge as you'll gain more elevation on the trail (provided it's still safe of course) vs. up the valley... hope that makes sense!  <br>