Jan 27, 2008, West Ridge, Snoqualmie Mtn

Despite the questionable forecast, we (Mountaineer's trip...yes, they still ski!) headed out leaving lift-line crowds at Alpental.  Avoided the Phantom path entirely on the uphill, stayed in the trees all the way to the ridge top above the Thunder creek basin.  The weather was nice and calm with occasional sunshine.  The snow pack just below the ridge on the south facing slope measured about 10'.  There were three crust layers within the upper 20", only the third one showing consistent shear (ct22).  Well consolidated overall, except the storm snow.

Skied powder some in open and among the old growth forest.  For return, we made rising traverse back to near the top of the Phantom.  Great skiing except harder crust under the new snow halfway down.

David may report more detailed pit data on