Jan 20, Low Mtn Low Rte - Alpental to Granite
1/20/13
WA Snoqualmie Pass
4748
5
Eager for an exploratory tour and a bit of sunshine & proto-corn, we three (and two hounds) toured from Alpental's Lot 4 to Granite mountain via Bryant Col, Melakwa Lake, Hemlock Pass, Low Mountain, Cad-Denny Lake divide to N ridge of Granite. Travel conditions were fast and generally firm on most aspects except the plush 3pm descent on S-SW side of Granite, and "ash-tray powder" on N aspects >5k'. The ski up the N ridge of Low Mountain was generally casual but the cornice bypasses on E slopes justified attention (steep, lee loaded & locally icy slopes) to gain the middle (lower) summit bump - a fine picnic spot. Great views at many points along the way but also plenty of time in the trees marveling at the old growth and peek-a-boo views of Tuscohatchie Lake and points north. Refrozen snow required ski crampons on most ascents. Plenty of ski potential noted in Upper Pratt River basin. A worthwhile XC trek to connect favorite endpoints but this tour requires a car shuttle. Snow quality highly variable with bomber stability. Solar battery recharge was nice too.
Nice tour Crispin
We ran into you guys as we exited Granite - did your pups make the trip with you? Pretty impressive...
Great trip report and photos. ;)
Nice! Yeah saw you guys heading down with the dogs as I was doing a late arvo run on granite. Nice tour!
Crispin and the hounds on top of one of the Lowe peaks.............
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