November 18, 2016, Paradise
11/18/16
WA Cascades West Slopes South (Mt Rainier)
2574
2
Wind direction and speed were a concern pre-trip and turned out to be exactly as forecast: 10mph or so from a northeast direction. We therefore decided to ski short laps on west facing slopes below 6500', finding the change from last weeks balmy temperatures to be a bit of a shock. The snow was fluffy 4-6" deep and we found no rocks that caused base damage!! There were probably 50-80 other skiers at the parking lot around 930-10AM, some planning to visit Camp Muir. Hopefully they will report their findings.
Can you ski/skin all the way to/from the parking lot?
Yes, you can skin/ski all the way to the parking lot -- it's bony, but nothing a little fancy maneuvering can't handle.
Northeast wind was steady with some pretty strong gusts through Pan Point and a little beyond then stopped with complete calm for 30-45 minutes before it came in strong again from the southwest bringing in low visibility. Made it to Muir. Ate lunch. It was cold.
Before heading down, visibility drastically improved with a dramatic sky and views of Adams, Hood, and a glowing Old Snowy. Helens was also glowing and seemed to be in a state of perpetual sunset as we enjoyed great early season powder much of the way down. (Head over heels face plant observations were "deep and soft".) Approaching Pan Point the snow was definitely heavily wind affected and scoured in many places below. Pan Face itself was surprisingly reasonable for good turns despite my jello legs.
Good to see you Silas, Steph and Zack. Hope to join you sometime soon!
Northeast wind was steady with some pretty strong gusts through Pan Point and a little beyond then stopped with complete calm for 30-45 minutes before it came in strong again from the southwest bringing in low visibility. Made it to Muir. Ate lunch. It was cold.
Before heading down, visibility drastically improved with a dramatic sky and views of Adams, Hood, and a glowing Old Snowy. Helens was also glowing and seemed to be in a state of perpetual sunset as we enjoyed great early season powder much of the way down. (Head over heels face plant observations were "deep and soft".) Approaching Pan Point the snow was definitely heavily wind affected and scoured in many places below. Pan Face itself was surprisingly reasonable for good turns despite my jello legs.
Good to see you Silas, Steph and Zack. Hope to join you sometime soon!
Reply to this TR
Please login first: