December 15, Alpental

Reports that Rainier had turned into an ice ball had us changing plans and heading out to Snoqualmie Pass this morning.  Most of the day we were graced by a consistent mist, but nothing a good waterproof jacket couldn't handle.  Coverage was sparse on the lower mountain but adequate starting roughly level with the top of the Sessel chair.  From Edelweiss and up coverage was actually pretty decent. 

Snow was the very definition of cascade concrete, wet and heavy and conditions for wet slides existed.  Upper International turned out to be decent, considering the heavy snow, about halfway down there had been a considerable slide about 3-4" deep leaving a decent crust for skiing on.  Lower International was mostly covered with patches of rocks showing through.

We were able to navigate our way nearly all the way back to the lodge without hitting any rocks and most streams have fordable points where the majority of people are crossing.

Not necessarily ideal conditions, but definitely worth it for some easy early season turns!  Sorry for the lack of pictures, all cameras were forgotten in the car.