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mbravenboer
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mbravenboer
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PostFri Jan 22, 2021 4:00 pm 
I was planning a remote trip for tomorrow. Previously, in conditions like this I made it to Tank Lakes because travel was so light on the ice ( https://www.nwhikers.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8014773 ) . I'm a little concerned though about reports on WTA how firm the ice is. There are not many reports available though. I would use steel crampons and have an ice axe, but if they barely penetrate the ice than it would still be a bit more dangerous than I'm comfortable with. Has somebody been to higher elevation destinations with some photos or experience to share that's not yet in a trip report?

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neek
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PostFri Jan 22, 2021 4:11 pm 
Not exactly high elevation, but on Sorcery Mtn (5273') yesterday, crampons (aluminum in my case) were helpful on some of the steeper and icier bits (highly recommended I would say, if not strictly necessary). Conditions were quite variable; fluffy one step then icy the next. Solid snow started around maybe 3200'.

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Randito
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PostFri Jan 22, 2021 10:08 pm 
I did some touring around Snoqualmie Pass today, up to 4500 ft elevation. Lots of hard frozen snow. But not ice.

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mbravenboer
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PostSat Jan 23, 2021 12:26 am 
Thanks neek and Randito, that was very helpful. I've looked at some more pics of last trip reports and it looks fine yeah. Off we go!

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mbravenboer
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PostSun Jan 24, 2021 11:33 am 
The conditions are probably irrelevant with snow coming in and this drainage being a no-go area again, but I headed up Gold Creek to attempt Alta mountain from the north side. Only the steep forest was very icy and really required crampons. Snowshoes wouldn't have cut it. I carried them on my back the whole trip wink.gif. Above 5000 feet the amount of new snow quickly increased until I could essentially not feel a crust layer. I got a little uncomfortable at ~5600ft with deep loose snow in ~40% terrain and headed back. There was a track from the previous day of backcountry skiers who appeared to head in the direction of Alaska Lake. I have some photos here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bravenboer/albums/72157718023008297

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nitsudsniksa
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PostSun Jan 24, 2021 10:59 pm 
I went up to Rainy Lake this morning, like Randito mentioned, lots of hard frozen snow that was as slippery as ice, but definitely penetrable with spikes and my poles (was the first time I ever thought I could have used a whippet). The worst of it was between 3000ft and 3600ft, beyond that there seemed to be enough daily / nightly powder softening things up and made the rest of the way up in mid-shin high snow.

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timberghost
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PostWed Jan 27, 2021 6:57 am 
Slicker than snot

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timberghost
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PostWed Jan 27, 2021 1:31 pm 
What do the movies The Sixth Sense and Titanic have in common? Icy dead people

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Chief Joseph
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Chief Joseph
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PostWed Jan 27, 2021 5:38 pm 
It's icy under about 8" of new snow, nice 6" of powder today and a balmy 31 degrees, no wind, hardly ever...a bit of a slow start here in NId....probably less than 3' so far. On the bright side, so far no need to shovel roofs. up.gif

Go placidly amid the noise and waste, and remember what comfort there may be in owning a piece thereof.
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rossb
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PostWed Jan 27, 2021 6:42 pm 
@Chief Joseph -- That much snow? I was afraid it was more "dust on crust". Where did you go? I have tomorrow off and was debating skiing up to Kendall Lakes (not groomed, often trampled) or Amabalis (often groomed). The safe bet is Amabalis, but if there is that much snow...

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Chief Joseph
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PostWed Jan 27, 2021 7:02 pm 
I am over near Priest lake for the winter at about 2800 feet.

Go placidly amid the noise and waste, and remember what comfort there may be in owning a piece thereof.
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rossb
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PostWed Jan 27, 2021 7:19 pm 
Ah, cool. Thanks.

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