Home > Trip Reports > November 10, 2012, Mt. Daniel powder!

November 10, 2012, Mt. Daniel powder!

11/10/12
WA Cascades West Slopes Central
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Posted by mikerolfs on 11/10/12 3:46pm
Andy Dappen and I made three laps on the Hyas Glacier on Mt. Daniel today.  The forcast was for "partly sunny".  It was fully sunny as we approached and also as we left the mountain.


But it looked like this for the duration of the skiing
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i58/mikerolfs/daniel%20with%20Andy/CIMG5707.jpg" />

There isn't enough snow for ski approach.  Here is the area above Peggy's Pond, but below the permanent snowfield

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i58/mikerolfs/daniel%20with%20Andy/CIMG5698.jpg" />

Lots of water (surprise!  it was 15 degrees out and nothing was frozen but my shoelaces)


We saw these tracks on the way in.  Bobcat?  My hand print on the left.


The surface was 4 or 5 inches of super light fluffy powder on top of a smooth but firm layer.  Classic dust on crust.  The Hyas is very low angle, so the crust was not an obstacle to fun.  Here is proof of conditions:
https://vimeo.com/53265196

6 hours drive time, 9 hours approach/deproach, 1 hour powder skiing!

*edited 11-11 to replace video with a child-safe version.

Awesome!  Thanks for sharing.  Can't wait to get up there with a bit more snow.

Most skiers would consider skiing here in November a stupid return on their sweat, but we were surprised not to see a few hikers, mountaineers, or snowshoers out for a dose of stupid fun before the access road gets snowed over for the winter. As the pictures below indicate, it was a moody day.

Wow! Looks like fun. Wish I wasn't in the UK right now...

thats quite a haul for some turns!

awesome guys!

Mike,

Dig your return visits to the Mt Daniel area in all seasons, especially given the effort required. it speaks of love. adventuring is all good, but something about the intamacy makes it just as, if not more special.


waiting for that mid winter pow day report...

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2012-11-10 23:46:50