May 27-28, 2006, Hannegan Meadows (Ruth Mountain)
5/27/06
WA Cascades West Slopes North (Mt Baker)
2679
2
Burgdorfer suggests in his 100 Classic Backcountry Ski and Snowboard Routes of Washington that Ruth Mountain is a magnificent touring objective. Ive thought so for years since I first found my way into the Hannegan and Chillawack Valleys. Yet, Burgdorfer continues, This tour should be attempted ¦only in ideal conditions. While we did have the stable snowpack he refers to as ideal conditions, this weekend was far from ideal weather wise, as we all know.
Still, wed planned on it. I was hopeful and HOPE is a word I could use for a mountain sharing the same name as my mother who has recently finished her radiation treatments for breast cancer.
The road was clear to just a few hundred yards from the trailhead where a one deepish patch exists. We were surprised by the considerable melt-out of the trail since
By 5:30 AM Sunday I had already heard two rain storms pound the walls of the tent. I could hardly see the trees nearby when I peaked out for a look. Thus, we safely canceled plans for a summit push. Over breakfast the sky brightened and Seans altimeter barometer spiked up drastically. Twenty minutes later we were socked in again, barometer falling.
We took to a few nearby (and visible) ridges for the skiing we came for. Turns were smooth and juicy. Above Hannegan meadows we ran a line that hardly had to beg to be yo-yoed. We dropped our loads in the meadows below and skinned up a few hundred feet for some super fine spring turns.
Again, any day in the mountains is a good day. JOM=25% over the 5+ miles.
Ruth Mountain: another time, Mom.
Additional photos:
1.
3.
5.
Still, wed planned on it. I was hopeful and HOPE is a word I could use for a mountain sharing the same name as my mother who has recently finished her radiation treatments for breast cancer.
The road was clear to just a few hundred yards from the trailhead where a one deepish patch exists. We were surprised by the considerable melt-out of the trail since
By 5:30 AM Sunday I had already heard two rain storms pound the walls of the tent. I could hardly see the trees nearby when I peaked out for a look. Thus, we safely canceled plans for a summit push. Over breakfast the sky brightened and Seans altimeter barometer spiked up drastically. Twenty minutes later we were socked in again, barometer falling.
We took to a few nearby (and visible) ridges for the skiing we came for. Turns were smooth and juicy. Above Hannegan meadows we ran a line that hardly had to beg to be yo-yoed. We dropped our loads in the meadows below and skinned up a few hundred feet for some super fine spring turns.
Again, any day in the mountains is a good day. JOM=25% over the 5+ miles.
Ruth Mountain: another time, Mom.
Additional photos:
1.
3.
5.
Good report-
At least you were able to enjoy some early flora before the Hannegan-OffHaggen visibility. ::)
Looked like you made the best of the time and space!
Joe
At least you were able to enjoy some early flora before the Hannegan-OffHaggen visibility. ::)
Looked like you made the best of the time and space!
Joe
Better to be out than not, but your report confirms that it was a good idea to bail on my plan to take my son up there on Sunday for his annual backcountry ski trip. Thanks for the report.
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