JasonG

They did, but I wasn't completely convinced. Grouse is pretty direct, even if you have to walk a bit in the forest. I think the main deciding factor for my partners was a bit of thick, steep trees and brush near the bottom of the swath. Not much fun going up, but I think over pretty quick on the way down. Skiing everywhere was poor, so that wasn't much of a factor.

I would be very surprised if they used their own instruments. They probably use data mostly available to the public, but a lot of times it isn't very user friendly (thus you pay them to translate/summarize). Also, I know some numerical models you have to pay to access.

Strava speed records are at stake @jon!

But yes, that would be a sight! During larch season would be the best. No problem finding a level campsite.

Total BS. Those dams were built with pick, shovel, mules, and dynamite. They can be maintained with the same. And don't enlarge them for heaven's sake!

Whoah. Belt and suspenders!

@lazzara! Sorry for the late reply....We went up Grouse (carried skis from outhouse to swath) and came down the summer trail after a team mutiny. It is a bit thin down low with more brush than I would have expected. Hopefully this helps!

Not so fast @Dylan Colon. The conditions you experienced on your first trip have to be expected in winter and you and your team need to have the ability to deal with them without calling for a rescue (esp. if nobody was actually hurt). Also, you can't expect to have a good idea of how conditions are going evolve throughout the short winter days, despite forecasts. Yes, sometimes they are spot on, but I've often been surprised. A bit of wind or clouds can change things quickly or dramatically. That said, I'm glad you had a great second trip! But be wary of assuming that you can accurately judge conditions on the short days of winter (summer is a lot more forgiving). Be prepared for the worst, and pleasantly surprised if it isn't. I hope you don't take this as being overly harsh, but I wanted to point out something that seemed a bit off with your post above. I'm sure others will disagree with me though.....

I was wondering the same thing!

Ah, that explains the tire tracks! Yes, the winter closure is clearly signed (and we stopped at it).

$$ ?

Lincoln is waiting for someone to climb this face: Colfax will watch: Kulshan (the Coleman Headwall is looking remarkably smooth right now): Conditions as of yesterday....you can drive to within about a mile of the Heliotrope TH, though that may be changing with the storm. Ski conditions were terrible at every elevation and aspect up to 7000' (very icy). Figured people may want some images for the high pressure to follow!

Oh! I'll look what I can spare there buddy. You've gunned my sorry ass up enough stuff to deserve it!

Thanks for the report...that is pretty amazing how far you can drive!

You can always pay these guys: https://everestweather.com/

As the saying goes...."education isn't cheap". Glad it all worked out and you learned a few things.

A great read, thanks @G-spotter....and a sad reminder of what the world lost.

Thanks @CascadeClimber, great insights!

Those images of Carl's are fantastic! Love looking through them.... http://www.alpenglow.org/carl-skoog/gallery/index.html While it isn't technical (a scramble really), is something like Jacob's Ladder on Mount Prophet of interest @Lowell_Skoog?

I have inside info that the Park Service wasn't in favor of this also. WSDOT has obviously hearing about it on multiple fronts and the original decision shows out of touch they were with the soaring popularity at that road end. Did not hear about the resort or SCL's positions but they have other ways of getting to their infrastructure from below I think.

That was quick.

I put it up on TAY as well....under North Cascades Roads. Thanks for the reminder @Bronco!

Contact your elected officials!! I already have....

Love it! #DestinationDarrington

Thanks, it may not be powder, but I think it'll do....