Dec 8, 2016, - Swift Creek Access - Mt. St. Helens

Thursday's stormy forecast was the perfect reason to check out the Swift Creek trail on the south side of Mt. St. Helens. Snowing and blowing heavily as Hika lead the way for Cheri and I from Marble Mountain snow park. Very easy skin thanks to some dear soul that apparently pulled a heavy sled up the track the day before making for a perfect skin track base. We were the only vehicle in the west lot and two small sno-mo groups were loading up after letting the kids tear up the east and west parking lots.

20F and 8" plus at the parking lot and snow depth increased nicely as we climbed higher. Due to strong winds, didn't venture above tree line as it was obvious there was significant slab formations being created on all exposed slopes.  Snow pack was 20 to 24" deep at 3600' and consisted of a single deposit with no layers. 

Nice slide out after stripping skins and Hika the Adventure dog probably had the most fun on the run back down the trail.