February 16, 2019, Snoqualmie Pass
2/16/19
WA Snoqualmie Pass
1538
3
An enjoyable day avoiding avalanche terrain. Ski penetration to boot-top on fattest skis. Pole penetration of about a meter at all elevations.
Only rollerballs noted on sunny slopes, no other instability noted. One small (3m diameter) collapse of an isolated ridgeline windslab. This was not for lack of trying -- we travelled many flat and low-angle open slopes without collapses.
Sun created an incipient suncrust; the fluffy pow is in the shade. Low-elevation coverage is remarkably good.
Only rollerballs noted on sunny slopes, no other instability noted. One small (3m diameter) collapse of an isolated ridgeline windslab. This was not for lack of trying -- we travelled many flat and low-angle open slopes without collapses.
Sun created an incipient suncrust; the fluffy pow is in the shade. Low-elevation coverage is remarkably good.
Good & timely report, thanks Mr H
Wondering if we found your tracks today. Two skiers. Unclear where they ascended. The suncrust we found was not bad - didn't interfere with fun turns though it changed the dynamic slightly. Mostly boot top penetration while skinning, though there was a bit of extra "sink" while stepping forward and sometimes my tails would disappear deep into the snowpack. But trailbreaking wasn't heroic. Just work.
And we found decent turns even in the forest down to 3500 or possibly a little below. Not as nice as sheltered snow in the open but very fun nonetheless!
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