Dec 26, 2006, Jim Hill Mtn, Stevens Pass

Met with Monika at the Tunnel lot under gray sky and a considerable avy danger forecast.  Took an exploratory path up through the lower trees, it was more open but took longer.  Trail breaking was hard through 1~2' of new.  Even Monika bulldozing away, it took us 5 hours to get up to the edge of the upper bowl.  The snow was deep unconsolidated on top of dense base, with no wind effect at all.  No natural activity except some older ones below the steep rocky slope above the first basin.

Skiing was anti-climax in the deep new snow; no turn required just point tips down to keep going.  A fun day out with a friend.  Skiing will be great after a few days of settling, and some drying out.