January 21, 2008, Jim Hill Mtn, Stevens Pass

I persuaded Paul and Dick to take the MLK day off for skiing instead of more social activities they may have planned.  It was at least better than simply working for money....

Anyway, we parked at the small lot by the tunnel maintenance road (not sure if it is legal, but no sign not to park).  Clear weather, but cold around 10 degree.  The Jim "Hell" this year seems like a highway with a lot more snow in the trees.  Although we did not see any sign of natural avy activty, the snow was wind-packed in the open mostly by upwind from the valley (north and east wind).  Dug a pit around 5400',  consistent dense snow with a moderate shear layer at 20".  The wind action seemed to have caused more packing than loading in general.

The skiing in the open was a bit inconsistent, but enjoyable (by some anyway).  We found the best snow in the gully by the eastern edge down into trees.  The lower clearing also had seen wind action making skiing somewhat interesting.  Skiing out through the lower forest was smooth, helped by more than average amount of snow.