February 1, 2014, surprise pillows

Getting a good dinner to fuel the next day's adventure.

After a fun night of car camping, we skinned for twice as long as I had hoped before reaching the lake. I dug a quick pit on a west facing slope around 5k, and the approximately 1' new storm slab slid very easily on what I think was the rain crust from early in the week. It was a q1 shear, and a very cohesive slab. We decided to play it safe and lapped a fairly low angle slope with lots pillows and small trees.


On the second lap we booted up a short steep sw facing chute that had better bonded snow in it.



On the way back we rode rowdy pillows below the lake


this is one plus of a low snow year





fun turns and pillows, but don't bother; its not worth the approach.

The highlight of the trip came when we got back to seattle, and,after incredulously searching my car and standing around scratching our heads for a while, realized my pack was still at the trailhead Fortunately a friend drove us back and the pack was recovered, but it made for a late night.

Video:
here