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If you want steep, start in a climbing gym to learn technique and rope handling

On all of the above there was really great powder on top of blue rime. Mostly, there was good powder, but bands/ridges of hard to spot ice balls were hidden here and there. I think WCR would have actually been the spot with the least ice bands, though the snow was a little crusted. I say go for it, after this new storm system moves though. It'll all be covered by then.

[video:youtube] and a how to for shoveling

Trip: Mt Hood - West Crater Date: 2/21/2009 Trip Report: Myself and 5 others went for a quick trip up West Crater on Saturday morning. There was a soft crust on top of an unconsolidated light +/-6 inches bit of snow. There was also hidden hard rime ice blocks mixed in all over(not fun if you slid) I was surprised at how low the snow was all the way up. Several areas are significantly steeper than last year when I did the same route in Feb 08. I ran up a slightly steeper chute to the right at the top of WC that was a little exciting with only one ice axe, but would have been very fun with two tools. [video:youtube] [video:youtube] Gear Notes: no rope, just ourselves, 'poons and axes. Two tools would have been nice for the steeper parts. Approach Notes: soft crust on top of an unconsolidated light +/-6 inches bit of snow between Palmer and summit. On the glissade tracks, watch out for hidden ice protrusions (large bruise on my hip to prove it)

I have never thought of pole straps aa hazard in this way. Interesting

I disagree. I think that the tea only helps pass the time and perhaps makes the injured feel more comfortable. From a physiological standpoint it isn't going to change the temperature in any noticeable way; it is like adding a cup of hot water to 20 gallons of lukewarm water(no effective temp change). You would be better off carrying handwarmers or a Sam splint

ditto

Superbowl Porn 8D Greatest. halftime. ever.

what is with the "embedding disabled by request" on youtube? Kinda a pain in the arse

I had columns to myself for a while today. it was rather nice! Silly foosball game.

Who else is able to do mountain rescues besides Ft Lewis? Would they fly all the way down to say, the sisters or Jefferson?

working for a trail crew3 years ago, I found a partial 6pack of Pabst Ice with a '97 date on it in a blackberry patch we were clearing. Didnt try any of it, but I still have an unopened can.

sorry to be an ass...but thats hilarious to hear on this board

doubt it

Just land on your belayer. Thats what I did a while ago and it worked fine! (except the broken foot...)

That is Gorgeous, but can you imagine trying to climb in windy -20 degree weather. BRRRRRRRRRRrr! A very proud line!

Whats everyone think?

not

Keep breathability in mind when layering. I have had problems with certain weaves of fabrics not breathing as well (I wont wear several synth shirts in the cold because I end up sweating too much into the first layer. First 2 layers should be a thinner weave to allow moisture to escape from the skin surface

Are you a pitcher or a catcher? 8D

USFS internal policy(The BLM and Park Service already have implemented some "let it burn" policy change), and public acceptance I would guess. I think more has been done on the public acceptance front than the internal policy

Damn mimes!!!

I was at a forestry conference this week in NorCal and there were a number of presentations on tree destroying insects. The writing on the wall is twofold: 1. We need to manage forests better so that tree densities arent off the charts (high density=nutrient stress=less ability to fight disease/insects...). And I am not particularly advocating logging as a solution. Controlled underburns and thinning are amazing tools that, long term, could reduce to near zero the occurrence of catastrophic wildfire. Most of these pests are occuring in areas where fire regimes are short. 2. Due to the intensity of tree death from various pathogens, the forests of the US and Canadia are now a CARBON SOURCE. Trees break down/burn, they release carbon, and accelerate climate change. A solution is mandatory, a MASSIVE change on a federal level(since that is who owns half the forests in the US) is necessary, and it it has to be eff'n soon. On a side note, the pine beetle outbreaks are nearing their end. A pheremone impregnated plastic confetti is almost ready to go to federal approval. The pheremone can be used to control the movement of the beetles and reduce the outbreaks to natural levels (the little beasties are native to North America after all.)