Quick report
After spotting the Tatoosh Range from Paradise last weekend, we headed up toward the Pinnacle Glacier area for a closer look at the terrain and identify any remaining avalanche hazards. We packed our skis up to Reflection Lakes, where we found consistent snow coverage to begin skinning. Once on the snow, travel was quite quick, with soft but supportable snow providing good edging up the steeper slopes. In general, snow coverage ranges from 1-5 feet, with large patches of rock and dirt exposed on sunnier slopes.
We didn't notice any recent avalanche activity, but large glide cracks do exist around Pinnacle and Castle Peaks, and in Louise Bowl.
Overall, it was a beautiful day out, with fairly smooth over-snow travel and simple in-out navigation.
Glide cracks have formed across multiple steep areas at the base of Pinnacle and Castle Peaks, and in Louise Bowl. No recent avalanche activity was noted.Weather
- Cloud Cover
- few
- Wind Loading
- none
- Recent Snowfall
- 0
- Snow Avail For Transport
- none
Warm and sunny, with no noticeable wind.
Snowpack
Snow coverage continues to decline around the Tatoosh. We found consistent, albeit sun-cupped, snow coverage around 4,000 feet. Creeks, waterfalls, and meadows are quite exposed but can still be navigated reasonably. South-facing slopes are nearly completely snow-free as high as 6,000 feet. Patches of dirt and rock exist throughout all other aspects, but north-facing slopes are faring the best. On average, 1-4 feet of snow exists at 4,800 feet, and as much as 5 feet at 6,000 feet.