April 30 Nisqually Chute to bridge MRNP

After standing at the top of the chute on two previous attempts and being turned back by (1st) whiteout and (2nd) avalanche danger, this trip met with success.  Cloudy at the parking lot, it opened up as soon as we hit the trail. Our group of 9 made it to the top of the chute in about 2 and a half hours.  Robert pulled a birthday cake out of his pack for Susan and we all had a nice lunch.  No wind, full sun, it was shirt sleeve weather.

The chute was nice corn over a firm base, with easily avoided sections of light rubble.  After the chute, it turned to deep mush, the overnight freeze wasn't enough at lower elevations.  As we reached the edge of the glacier, some ground fog blew up the valley and we debated following the skin track up to Glacier Vista.  After a brief wait, it cleared out and we proceeded down in grabby mush.

Near the bottom, we had intended to stay skiers left of the river but ended up wandering right after the first forced crossing.  We probably should have stayed with the original plan but we would have missed some the adventure that always makes for a memorable trip.

Thanks for a great time to: Robert, Tim, Jennifer, Jay, Craig, and especially Susan, Robin and Olivier who participated in 1(Olivier & Robin) and 2(Susan) failed attempts.