December 1, 2016, Lichtenberg via Smittybrook
12/1/16
WA Stevens Pass
3159
0
Did one lap off Lichtenberg, via smithbrook rd and approach from Lichtenwasser lake today.
The day was spent slogging through shin deep pow, taking us 6 hours to reach the top of Lichtenberg. It was glorious.
Several very small and shallow natural wind releases were observed on the leeward (ENE-facing) ridge connecting the north and south summits of Lichtenberg. Other than that, no other avalanche activity was observed. Several hasty pits were dug, revealing a right side-up pack within the top 60-100cm where we dug. The top 50cm is totally unconsolidated pow. We had ski pen in the 20-35cm range. Height of snow varied from 35cm at the start of smithbrook rd, to about 130cm-175cm near the top of Lichtenberg. Creeks are almost filled in, but not quite. Also, some 'bilers came in and ripped it up on smithbrook rd while we were touring, which allowed for a really nice ski out down the road. Should be much faster skinning in.
The day was spent slogging through shin deep pow, taking us 6 hours to reach the top of Lichtenberg. It was glorious.
Several very small and shallow natural wind releases were observed on the leeward (ENE-facing) ridge connecting the north and south summits of Lichtenberg. Other than that, no other avalanche activity was observed. Several hasty pits were dug, revealing a right side-up pack within the top 60-100cm where we dug. The top 50cm is totally unconsolidated pow. We had ski pen in the 20-35cm range. Height of snow varied from 35cm at the start of smithbrook rd, to about 130cm-175cm near the top of Lichtenberg. Creeks are almost filled in, but not quite. Also, some 'bilers came in and ripped it up on smithbrook rd while we were touring, which allowed for a really nice ski out down the road. Should be much faster skinning in.
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