April 15, 2006, Mazama Ridge Area, Mt. Rainier
4/15/06
WA Cascades West Slopes South (Mt Rainier)
2346
2
Just a quick report in case anyone is checking conditions for skiing tomorrow. Had a great day skiing the Edith Creek Basin and off the west side of Mazama Ridge. After a run on lower angle slopes (Bundy? I don't know the names of the runs), we headed up a little higher to a steeper spot we thought would be good for a snow pit. Some other skiers saved us the trouble, by jumping (and falling) liberally on the slope. We saw definite signs of small slab formation, but the bond of the fresh snow (6-24", depending on wind) to the hard crust was decent. Skiing generally excellent, although flat light and lack of visibility added some extra challenges.
Snow conditions were overall excellent. Some midafternoon warming created a temporarily moister snow pack with near surface freezing conditions. But by 5 pm the temperatures had dropped significantly and we were enjoying the powder like conditions. At dinner in Ashford the snow level had obviously dropped further, and we drove in snow almost down to Elbe.
A fine day of winter snow in April, and very few skiers to share it with.
Snow conditions were overall excellent. Some midafternoon warming created a temporarily moister snow pack with near surface freezing conditions. But by 5 pm the temperatures had dropped significantly and we were enjoying the powder like conditions. At dinner in Ashford the snow level had obviously dropped further, and we drove in snow almost down to Elbe.
A fine day of winter snow in April, and very few skiers to share it with.
Thanks for the report, Joamna.
There was some awsome floating to be had around mazama yesterday! Our group felt good about the snowpack, a lot changed overnight im sure...but if the season ended yesterday i would feel pretty good about the year!! ;)
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