February 27, 2005, MRNP - Nisqually Chute
2/27/05
WA Cascades West Slopes South (Mt Rainier)
2356
2
Met up with Rick at the Paradise lot around 9am. Rainier had a lenticular that resembled the arrival of the mothership. We started skinning under the sun but it soon became shade as we topped Pan Pt. and entered the umbrella of the mothership. Snow conditions thus far was boot pack. Yep couldn't escape it. Just about every square foot covered with boot tracks. From Pebble Creek there was a highway sculpted, I'm assuming to Camp Muir. Don't know cause I ended up stopping at 8500ft. Around this area is also where I bumped into Bud da pimp and his 2 ladies. ;D By 1pm I made my traverse across the snowfield to the chute entrance. I met up with Rick who had made it to 9500ft and descended near the ridge line. He said snow was not too good. I kinda of figured so as I to bounced acrossed the snowfield.
I took a high traverse across the chute entrance as Rick watched. My board cut deep into the slope like butter. Snow was stuck in the transition between refrozen granular and corn. Nice rounded crystals about the size of bb's. I dropped in and stuck boarders right and stayed on the steep sections. I did venture left during one turn and found conditions not quite thawed as I skidded across frozen tracks. I quickly found myself back on the right carving the 45 to 50 degree banks. Snow was great. Also had to keep a lazy eye out for landmines and rock outcroppings that were scattered about.
WARNING for future chute goers. Cross the gully as high up as possible. Otherwise you will either have to clear some rocks or boot it.
Once out of the chute the snow was partially thawed wind effect down to the exit. Turning on a board was easy on the stuff. Don't know what Rick thought about it on his skis though. We took a different exit out this time. A bit more of a traverse but not nearly as steep. On the hump out we were caught up by a free-heeler named Andy, who happens to be a TAY lurker. Also the hike out provided stunning views of the glaciers opening on the Nisqually. Can't believe I will be hanging from one of those in the near future!
The ride down to the parking lot went fast. Snow conditions could best be described as soft carvable boot pack. I was able to carry speed thru a section that I normally end up booting the last bit. Back at the car and as we drove off the UFO was still doing it's thing with Rainier's tip. What a day! ;D
I took a high traverse across the chute entrance as Rick watched. My board cut deep into the slope like butter. Snow was stuck in the transition between refrozen granular and corn. Nice rounded crystals about the size of bb's. I dropped in and stuck boarders right and stayed on the steep sections. I did venture left during one turn and found conditions not quite thawed as I skidded across frozen tracks. I quickly found myself back on the right carving the 45 to 50 degree banks. Snow was great. Also had to keep a lazy eye out for landmines and rock outcroppings that were scattered about.
WARNING for future chute goers. Cross the gully as high up as possible. Otherwise you will either have to clear some rocks or boot it.
Once out of the chute the snow was partially thawed wind effect down to the exit. Turning on a board was easy on the stuff. Don't know what Rick thought about it on his skis though. We took a different exit out this time. A bit more of a traverse but not nearly as steep. On the hump out we were caught up by a free-heeler named Andy, who happens to be a TAY lurker. Also the hike out provided stunning views of the glaciers opening on the Nisqually. Can't believe I will be hanging from one of those in the near future!
The ride down to the parking lot went fast. Snow conditions could best be described as soft carvable boot pack. I was able to carry speed thru a section that I normally end up booting the last bit. Back at the car and as we drove off the UFO was still doing it's thing with Rainier's tip. What a day! ;D
well, i'm glad the mothership seemed to provide some nice (enough) conditons for you...i am wondering about how that nisqually looks though. big holes? will we be cruising down it in april like we're so accustomed?
Allyson the glacier itself is opening up well. I wouldn't be on it unless I had to. Compared to last year things are looking like May - June up there.
About the chute itself...as long as there's a hint of an entrance (board/ski width ramp) it's doable. Also I recall a grip of more people been carving the chutes this year, stomping down the pack a bit more than the past. This could be a good thing but only time and more storms will tell.
One thing I forgot to mention in my original tr were the rock falls. I was too busy listening to motivational music. Rick heard rocks falling all day. This was abundantly clear in the chutes. Watch out for them landmines or you'll explode! ;D
About the chute itself...as long as there's a hint of an entrance (board/ski width ramp) it's doable. Also I recall a grip of more people been carving the chutes this year, stomping down the pack a bit more than the past. This could be a good thing but only time and more storms will tell.
One thing I forgot to mention in my original tr were the rock falls. I was too busy listening to motivational music. Rick heard rocks falling all day. This was abundantly clear in the chutes. Watch out for them landmines or you'll explode! ;D
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