Nov. 27 Silver Peak Basin

Did a quick tour up into the Silver Peak basin.   I was able to drive the Subie all the way to Windy Pass.  Unfortunately, I was unable to turn around, or park out of the road.  I ended up putting the car in reverse and backed up until I found a spot I could park.  After my ski,  I ended driving in reverse all the way back to the hairpin.  The road uphill from the hairpin is pretty well covered in snow.  Ollalie meadows does not have an abundance of snow.  On the way up, I started on the PCT then veered right looking for the logging road.  Had to bushwhack through the small pine trees.  On the way down I just stayed on the road, which was pretty good.  The car ruts were getting filled in with wind blown snow.  Up higher in the basin the rocks are definitely exposed.  I was able to easily ski around them, but if it snows a little, there could be great potential to shred your ski bases.  Snow was very firm with small patches of windblown snow that were okay to turn on.  Another day.

Mt. Snoqualmie on the left, Lundin Peak, Lundin Couloir,
  then Red Mt, and Mt. Thompson on the right.

Rocks in Silver Peak basin

Able to park, unfortunately could not turn around.

Nov 26, Kendall Lakes

Well, if you can't have snow, I guess that sunshine is the next best thing.  Toured up into the Kendall Lakes basin.  This is basically a logging road until the last bit.  I made it to the upper Kendall lake, but didn't have the energy or time to go for the summit ridgeline.  Ski down was an exercise in power wedging.  Snow is continous to the trailhead, but just barely. 

Road\trail into Kendall Lakes area.

Powered by the blood orange - San Pellegrino -yum

Nov 24, Alpy

Climbed 2/3 of the way up Debbie's Gold, then turned around and made survival turns through the breakable crust.  Currently there is just enough snow to tour, but just barely.

Nov 19, Stevens Pass

Louie had the day off from EVO.  So, despite rain predictions, we cruised to Stevens Pass for a little storm snow.   Had three guys break trail to top of Tye Mill then we busted out a skintrack to the top of Double Diamond.  Unfortunately the snow was way too deep and thick to link any decent turns.  Oh well, good to get outside.  Stevens is planning a limited opening tomorrow.



Nov. 8, Grand Ridge to Duthie, Issaquah, Wa.

Francine has second thoughts, halfway through.  Duthie
Despite the rains, Grand Ridge trail system is looking great.  Rode from sunset to Duthie, did quick nip into that trail system then streeted it back to Issaquah Highlands, where we climbed back into Grand Ridge.   15.5 miles.