May 12, 2012, Mt Hood, Snowdome from TJ Snowpark

Two northeast residents, Jerimy and Dima, are visiting the PNW for a week of skiing. I spent the first day of their trip skiing with them on the NE side of Hood under great weather and snow. We choose the NE side of Hood after considering NWAC€™s special statement since it would give us access to northern aspects and expose us to less avalanche terrain than other options. I also think this is one of the most scenic sides of Mt Hood.

The road to Cloud Cap Inn typically doesn€™t open until early July, so access until then is from the Tilly Jane Snowpark. It was a 1.5 miles hike from the snowpark before we had contiguous snow for skiing. Since the Gnarl Ridge fire the views from the trail are a lot better now:


From TJ we traveled east to the east moraine of the Eliot Glacier and then followed the moraine to the 6840€™ crossing. A large carin exists here (though it seems smaller than in previous years). We roped up to cross the Eliot on its 1st bench and gain Snowdome:


Towards the top of Snowdome several rough patches of snow were encountered €“ likely from ash being blown on the snow and causing uneven melting. We descended from the top of Snowdome around 3:30.


The top was a little firm but lower down we had excellent smooth snow that continued all the way to treeline. On our way back across the Eliot we went higher allowing us to keep our skis on to cross the moraine.

Looking back at our tracks from the Eliot 1st bench:


NE Side of Mt Hood labeled:


Excellent day. Though this tour seems to have gotten longer than a few years ago.

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