November 20, 2016, Chinook Pass
11/20/16
WA Cascades West Slopes South (Mt Rainier)
3499
3
Thankfully the pass was just at freezing level, the snow was wet but consistent 6" on a firmer base of 4". Unfortunately the visibility was not good enough for old people to let the skis run. No scratches to bases happened, yay! Hope the pass stays open for at least another week until lower altitudes are skiable.
Thanks, all, for a great day out. It was very fine to sample the new season's snow. While fresh and soft, it's heavy enough to be great base material. Given the shallow height of snow, it was impressively supportive.
We didn't venture far above the treetops, but where we did, ridgetops were scoured and lee slopes held 1F windslab. At least on the long E ridge of Naches, the south side of the ridgetop was scoured, while the north side held some loading.
The ski quality was such that after a single lap, we decided to stretch our day out with a short exploratory tour and head home early. Knees and ski bases lived to ski another day.
We didn't venture far above the treetops, but where we did, ridgetops were scoured and lee slopes held 1F windslab. At least on the long E ridge of Naches, the south side of the ridgetop was scoured, while the north side held some loading.
The ski quality was such that after a single lap, we decided to stretch our day out with a short exploratory tour and head home early. Knees and ski bases lived to ski another day.
It was good to see other old people but you left just as the snow got better ;)
Venturing away from well traveled and established in/out routes not recommended with the low coverage.
Also, found a pair of poles - http://www.turns-all-year.com/skiing_snowboarding/trip_reports/index.php?topic=37084.0
Also, found a pair of poles - http://www.turns-all-year.com/skiing_snowboarding/trip_reports/index.php?topic=37084.0
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