After the challenges that were the series of atmospheric rivers that pounded the Pacific Northwest, getting a storm that dumped snow in the mountains was a welcome relief. As soon as we could, we were heading up the mountain for some quality time in the cold.
Planning a trip in the mountains in the winter is not always straightforward.
We can usually cover a couple of miles each hour in summer. Add snow and we slow down. A lot. It's hard to break trail through deep snow and that means we get tired quickly. We switch off lead duties, but it's still hard.
You don't need to worry about avalanches when there's no snow. Don't worry, I'm hyper attentive to avalanche conditions. My philosophy is you go where the avalanches don't. And when we have to go through avy terrain, we've got the forecast, the training, and the gear. (We were not in any avalanche terrain on this trip.)
I worry more about being too hot than too cold in the summer. We have to carry a ton more gear in the winter for those trips that might get unintentionally epic. Extra gloves, hats, puffies, shelters. Heavy stuff.
And don't forget Tinkham. (Seriously, though. How could you?) She wears a coat in when it's below freezing. Booties when it's below 25F. She stays home when it's below 20F.
All that extra might make you consider staying home with a hot toddy. Not us. Mountains are my jam and it doesn't matter the weather or the conditions.
We didn't get our original objective. To be honest, it was laughably ambitious. Instead, we toured the basin, climbed up to the ridge, and then looped back. Not quite epic, but definitely worth it. Given the chance, I'll do it again.
📍On the lands of the Snoqualmie people.
And in case you missed the whole atmospheric river thing, check this out. This is the normally tame waterfall just upstream from the Moosefish Estate.
