March 12, 2008, Thunder Mtn - Surprise Lake
3/12/08
3597
4
Rich and I had a long relaxing tour up Surprise Creek to Thunder Mountain from Scenic. As we were getting ready, Gary Brill and his friend showed up. They left quickly for Sparkplug Mountain breaking a trail for us to follow part way. There was about 6" new on top of wet snow. They probably had nice powder in the north facing slope. After a long lunch at the lake, we headed up to the summit ridge of Thunder Mountain over a low point into a high basin (6400'), had a nice view to the West, and a limited view to very inviting Hinman's snowy slope. Skiing was on a long west facing settled new on somewhat crusty under-surface down to the lake, then easy-gliding out through trees.
A good alternative to crowded slopes around the Stevens Pass. Highly recommended.
A good alternative to crowded slopes around the Stevens Pass. Highly recommended.
Hinman looks so inviting! Nice depth of field in difficult light!
Hey Kenji,
Did you climb West of the creek or follow the summer trail to get to Surprise Lake? Also, it reads as if you gained the Thunder-Ridge just past the lake and not via Surprice Gab?
Thank you, been there in the summer.
Did you climb West of the creek or follow the summer trail to get to Surprise Lake? Also, it reads as if you gained the Thunder-Ridge just past the lake and not via Surprice Gab?
Thank you, been there in the summer.
Great execution of avoiding the crowds. True Cascade touring. Lots more like this if one thinks out of our usual boxes. Those 6500'+ hills a bit east of there have been tempting me for years after a summer wander.
Thanks for the nice pictures.
Thanks for the nice pictures.
[quote="Morningstar"]Did you climb West of the creek or follow the summer trail to get to Surprise Lake? Also, it reads as if you gained the Thunder-Ridge just past the lake and not via Surprise Gap?
Mostly followed the summer trail until the basin below the lake. We tried the east side of the creek for ski out, but Rich wasn't too impressed ;D
We didn't go to the Surprise Gap. A small gap we took lead onto the Thunder Mtn Lake basin. The highest point on the ridge is actually just North of this point and looked more skiable than the actual rocky summit.
Mostly followed the summer trail until the basin below the lake. We tried the east side of the creek for ski out, but Rich wasn't too impressed ;D
We didn't go to the Surprise Gap. A small gap we took lead onto the Thunder Mtn Lake basin. The highest point on the ridge is actually just North of this point and looked more skiable than the actual rocky summit.
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