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| Kevin, Nisqually Chutes |
Met Greg in Four Corners, Maple Valley at 8:15. Greg was driving his newer Audi wagon, so he insisted on driving. The benfit of absolutely no new snow, meant that we could take the back way to Paradise. We went out through Greenwater on 410, then took the Stevens Canyon road up to Paradise. Due to the cold temps we have been having there was quite a bit of frozen waterfalls and plenty of ice falling on to the roadway, especially near the tunnel entrances. Ski approach from Paradise parking lot, was much longer than year's past. We kept our sneakers on until above Pebble Creek. Finally stuck our skis on about 7,400. Traversed up and over to 8,200 feet and the Nisqually chute entrance. Chute was smooth and steep. We made the mistake of transitioning from skinning to downhill mode, far to close to the chute entrance. The snow was very firm and a fall here, would have put a person sliding through the rocks adjacent to the chute proper. Luckily I had a small rock, jutting out of the snow to perch on. I am not quite sure how Greg maintained his balance during his transition. Chute skied firm but well. 2000 feet of descent. A whole day of travel and hiking for only 2k of skiing. Oh well, weather was super pleasant, and good to get out with Greg. Day NUMERO Uno for new season!
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Greg with Pan point to the right
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| Finally skis on at 7,400" |
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| Greg - smooth |
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| Hiking again, booted out of drainage, back to below Pan Point |
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