AlpineK

It appears the USFS permitting system for the Enchantments is similar to the system for Mt. Whitney http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/okawen/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=fsbdev3_053607 They both use a lottery system. Fees at Whitney are a flat $15 but the Enchantments charge $5/person/day. I'm not sure how they come up with those fees, but it doesn't appear to be a good money making system in either case. If either chunks of land were my private property and making money off hikers was my business I'd charge a lot more than $5/person/day for entry permits Yes they do control the system and set rules but the alternatives at either end of the spectrum sound bad No use of any kind is allowed - That would suck Unrestricted use - The place would get trashed in no time

Population growth is the primary problem. Like it or not: More people = more demand for everything. Look at the 2014 lottery for climbing Mt. Whitney. It's only a few hours drive from the greater LA Area http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5150055 Permits cost $15 As of this date: Yep things used to be better back in John Muir's day [img:center]http://seattletimes.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/fyi-guy/files/2014/05/fyiguy-censuspop-web.jpg[/img]

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One of the guys that did complete the traverse from Rainy Pass to Cutthroat Lake sent me a picture of the avalanche debris we missed out on near Cutthroat Lake. [img:center]http://cascadeclimbers.com/plab/data/3067/Cutthroat-Pass_2.jpg[/img]

Not really known for trad climbing, but crags weren't crowded with climbers in Mazama last weekend. Then again the upcoming 3-day weekend might be different.

Trip: Washington Pass - Kangaroo to Silverstar, Mazama, Rainy Pass Date: 5/16/2014 Trip Report: A forecast warm spell and accompanying avalanche risk wasn't a great precursor for Ski In, but temperatures were forecast to drop on Friday the 16th. Based on this and a lack of a firm partner commitment it seemed like a Friday solo ski traverse was in order. In a worst case scenario it meant spending time moping around at Washington Pass on Friday. That didn't sound too bad. Prior to leaving Ethan sent me a PM and ask my plans. I told him my plan was to camp at Washington Pass then get up early on Friday morning and ski. Since we were both driving from opposite sides of the state it seemed unlikely we would meet up. 5-16-2014 Friday morning started at 3:30 when my alarm went off. I drove to the hairpin in HWY 20 east of Washington Pass and ate some food. While sitting there another vehicle pulled up and a guy got out of the vehicle. Eventually the guy walked up to the car and said, "Are you Kurt?" After a yep response it turned out the guy was Ethan. He was ready to ski. Telling him my plan to ski from Kangaroo Ridge to Silverstar didn't seem to bother him. Since he was driving his own vehicle we decided to drop one off at Silverstar Creek. Eliminating a forced hitch hike at the end of the day didn't sound like a bad idea in my book. Once back at the hairpin we skied to a notch in Kangaroo Ridge used in a previous Ski In ski traverse to Willow Creek. The sun was coming out as we approached the ridge notch Early Winters, Liberty Bell, and Washington Pass [img:center]http://cascadeclimbers.com/plab/data/3067/medium/1-W-DSC01176.jpg[/img] At the notch we could see out path ahead Snagtooth Ridge and Silverstar from Kangaroo Ridge [img:center]http://cascadeclimbers.com/plab/data/3067/medium/5-W-DSC01180.jpg[/img] After an all to short ski to the next ridgeline we started climbing again Looking back at Kangaroo skiing [img:center]http://cascadeclimbers.com/plab/data/3067/medium/6-W-DSC01181.jpg[/img] The next climb covered some distance but not much of an elevation gain Snagtooth Ridge Traverse [img:center]http://cascadeclimbers.com/plab/data/3067/medium/10-W-DSC01185.jpg[/img] The ridgeline provides great views into the headwaters of Cedar Creek, Mt. Gardner, and snagged teeth Silverstar and the teeth [img:center]http://cascadeclimbers.com/plab/data/3067/medium/13-W-DSC01188.jpg[/img] Eventually we reached a high point in the ridge and started a second descent and traverse View of the traverse from Kangaroo Ridge [img:center]http://cascadeclimbers.com/plab/data/3067/medium/15-W-DSC01190.jpg[/img] Rock tower on Snagtooth Ridge [img:center]http://cascadeclimbers.com/plab/data/3067/medium/18-19_W_Panorama1-copy.jpg[/img] After skiing and traversing we found ourselves at the last climb to Silverstar Col. The climb was mostly on skis, but we did find a section of third class rock to scramble. Looking back at Snagtooth Ridge from Silverstar Col [img:center]http://cascadeclimbers.com/plab/data/3067/medium/25-W-DSC01200.jpg[/img] From that point on we were both back to an area we'd both traveled before. While the temperatures were cooler snow was on the chunky side with avalanche debris to avoid [img:center]http://cascadeclimbers.com/plab/data/3067/medium/29-W-DSC01204.jpg[/img] [img:center]http://cascadeclimbers.com/plab/data/3067/medium/30-W-DSC01205.jpg[/img] [img:center]http://cascadeclimbers.com/plab/data/3067/medium/31-W-DSC01206.jpg[/img] With about 1500 feet of vertical left to descend to the highway the continuous snow pack ran out, so we put skis on our pack and walked down to the car. We were both happy to change footwear and not hitch back to the hairpin turn. We made it to the Ski In Campsite prior to any other arrivals. After the sun went down and the campfire got going more folks showed up. 5-17-2014 In the morning sitting in a lawn chair by the river sounded good to me. After talk about likely snow conditions for the day we decided Saturday was a cragging day. One of the other group members told me about the portable hammock in her pack and told me I could use it at the crag. That sounded fine by me. Since one group member didn't have a ton of experience with multipitch climbing we drove to Fun Rock. I didn't have a problem since the approach to the crag was short. After spending time on some of the standard Fun Rock climbs we found information about the latest area crag development at, "A Wall." Routes at the crag range from mid-fifth class to 5.11. Some easier routes on A Wall [img:center]http://cascadeclimbers.com/plab/data/3067/medium/2-W-DSC01210.jpg[/img] Eventually we drove back to the campsite for campfire and bbq time. 5-18-2014 On Sunday talk of skiing from Rainy Pass to Cutthroat Lake sounded like the best group plan. Of course none of us had skied that route and we were lacking maps for that area, but we decided to wing it and figure it out on the tour. Leaving Rainy Pass [img:center]http://cascadeclimbers.com/plab/data/3067/medium/1-W-DSC01211.jpg[/img] Ascent to the west of Whistler Peak [img:center]http://cascadeclimbers.com/plab/data/3067/medium/2-W-DSC01212.jpg[/img] After some talk we figured heading towards the left ridge line was the best move. After an ascent we reached the ridgeline and started a new debate. The best I could come up with was, "I think we go that way, but I'm not sure what the terrain is like once you cross the ridge we can see." Eventually we chose to ski back to Rainy Pass and not risk the unknown. View of the area south of Rainy Pass from the ridgeline [img:center]http://cascadeclimbers.com/plab/data/3067/medium/4-5_W_Panorama1.jpg[/img] Highpoint [img:center]http://cascadeclimbers.com/plab/data/3067/medium/9-W-DSC01219.jpg[/img] Snow was in good condition and the ski back to Rainy Pass was fun [img:center]http://cascadeclimbers.com/plab/data/3067/medium/11-W-DSC01221.jpg[/img] [img:center]http://cascadeclimbers.com/plab/data/3067/medium/13-W-DSC01223.jpg[/img] At the car we all drove to pick up the car at the Cutthroat trailhead. When we reached the trailhead two skiers had just arrived. It turns out they had just completed the traverse we had planned to do, but this was their third attempt. They said there were huge avalanche debris piles near Cutthroat Lake that were annoying to ski through. We were happy to hear that and gave one of the two skiers a ride back to retrieve his car at Rainy Pass. All and all a good time was had by all Approach Notes: If you want to ski Silverstar via Silverstar Creek expect a combination of trail walking and postholing for the first 1500-ft of verticle gain.

In the early 80's we hiked to Price Lake and the scene of what sounds like a similar accident. Sorry for your loss.

Does Hoodsport look like this? [img:center]http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w150/highcstl/sesame_hood.jpg[/img]

From what little I know about Hoodsport you're either marketing to windsurfers or truckers pulling off the highway. Kind of makes sense they'd like to get folks skiing, climbing or hiking on Hood to stop by for a meal by the river after fun in the mountains. Not snowshoeing on skin tracks is similar in some respects to not stepping on a nearby climbing teams rope at the crag or hogging a route all day. Also consider frequent requests to leave your dog at home when coming to the crag

NWAC posted a Special Advisory on Monday. According to the message the warning related to warming conditions on the western side of the Cascades. Fortunately temperatures will cool for the weekend and Ski In. In any case there are no posted avalanche warnings for Goat Wall or Fun Rock at any time this week. I'll be heading over early and will bring some firewood, beer, coffee, and a few food items to share. Bring some firewood if you can. If you need directions to the campsite send me a Private Message before mid day Thursday. If I don't respond other site moderators will have directions to the site they can share on request. [img:center]http://www.danbbs.dk/~rep/pictures/animation/skianim.gif[/img]

Long time bc skiers can be a grumpy lot

Yep Washington Pass Plowing

During winter months the NW Avalanche Center provides more information about avy risks. In most cases NOAA posts warning when things get bad but not regular info. Knowing how to read a map is more important in the snow since the main trail or easiest route isn't always marked or obvious. Setting a turn around time is a good thing to do especially in the winter when it gets dark earlier. Past that I'd agree with Pete. Don't trash skin tracks with slowshoes.

I've Marked the weekend of May 17 as the date for Ski In. Basically Friday the 16th in the afternoon to Sunday May 18. From Today's WSDOT update There is a chance the pass will open this weekend, but it seems like May 17-18 is a relatively safe pick for the event. It avoids conflicts of interest like the St. Helens Mothers Day ski too. Good skiing and rock climbing for everybody at the party! More information will follow. The most important point is posting directions to the campsite online is bad juju. You can send me a private messages for a map to the site.

Planning for the 2014 Ski In is underway. Ski In is a fun annual event for both skiers and climbers. A free camping east of Mazama is reserved. Setting a date for the event is the only thing holding us back. Like others we're watch for WSDOT HWY-20 Updates. As of today they are past Liberty Bell 2 slide path on the east side and past Easy Pass on the west. April 14 WSDOT Picture The campsite is down by the river with an excellent cooler available [img:center]http://www.cascadeclimbers.com/plab/data/3061/medium/1-W-DSC00437.jpg[/img] The campsite has a fire pit and an outhouse is nearby. If we can figure out how to turn the water heater on you can even take a shower. Unfortunately a super spiffy kitchen is not available [img:center]http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3486/4047509940_5311e7263c_z.jpg[/img] The campsite provides easy access to rock climbing near Mazama, and skiing at the pass is 10-miles away. [img:center]http://www.cascadeclimbers.com/plab/data/3061/medium/11-W-DSC00460.jpg[/img] [img:center]http://cascadeclimbers.com/plab/data/515/medium/Descent-one-day-2.jpg[/img] [img:center]http://www.cascadeclimbers.com/plab/data/514/medium/CCClimb.jpg[/img] We'll announce a date soon. Based on WSDOT comments Mid-May is the expected time for the highway to open.

A Honey badger is the only viable solution. Then again you might not want to climb there either. [img:center]http://www.factzoo.com/sites/all/img/mammals/weasel/honey-badger-dont-care-just-chillin.jpg[/img]

Maybe I'd say yes for sure if Pubclub was in Georgetown http://seattletimes.com/html/pacificnw/2020153627_pacificdorpat20.html

Georgetown rules!

Unfortunately or fortunately the mine field will remain buried. It is a factor contributing to long time users bad attitude about speed climbing records in general

Never been to Cham, but looking for pictures of the, "crux," of the Gouter Route isn't too hard. [img:center]http://www.julienholtz.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/cordee-aiguille-gouter-1.jpg[/img] Kind of looks like a well traveled route. Based on my search there's a fixed line to use when crossing the Grand Couloir and hut at the top of the step. Not sure I'd call the Gouter Route the equivalent of Liberty Ridge. Sounds like Jornet set a good time and covered a lot of ground, but...

DILLIGAFF [img:center]http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M7KX8jVgouY/UGcXEsSZcHI/AAAAAAAAEQs/ykXRW9RYX8g/s1600/Flyingfish.jpg[/img]

Which route on Mt Blanc are you referring to? Is it fair to compare the DC route on Rainier with Liberty Ridge? What about comparing a route with a beaten in foot track and receiving thousands of ascents/year to a route that requires scrambling to get to the base, no established route, and fewer ascents?

Based on the eastbound after work traffic I've seen on HWY-2 lots of folks live upvalley but work in Monroe, Everett, or Seattle.

Australian Wild Pig Drinks 18 Beers, Gets in Fight with Cow [img:center]http://www.backcountryattitude.com/Images/wild-boar-nps.jpg[/img] Wild Pig Danger

Might be mile 20. Either way it's a long walk on the road.