Backcountry Ski/Snowboard - Haney Meadow Loop

8:30AM
Tronsen Meadows parking area (No permit required) 
https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=16.0/-120.5713/47.3387&pubLink=7JHGpwVrDsjLdb4x4keuqUmJ&waypointId=bd5b8a64-b8c6-492c-90fb-efc4948e1310

Plan on arriving by 8:30AM and gearing up organizing, doing a beacon check and getting underway by 9:00AM 

The Tronsen Basin offers ski terrain and snow conditions quite different from Stevens and Snoqualmie Passes.  When the weather is clear -- there are spectacular views of the Enchantments.   

The Diamond Head and Windy Knob areas have become moderately popular -- I

've developed a slightly different line on Tronsen Head that also offers good skiing and when snow conditions are favorable also offers the option short stretch of steep skiing.    If the snow conditions are enjoyable,  I figure on  extra lap of up to 900ft at the upper end of the route.     

The exit skiing to return the trailhead is an enjoyable mixture of gentle road, trail and glade skiing.   The exit does involve some "rolling terrain", skiers will be able to  manage these by shuffling and some herringbone/sidestepping.   Splitboarders will need to unstrap and walk.   There is one longer uphill stretch on the exit is about 1/4 mile long and roughly 50ft of elevation gain.   Long enough to be annoying, but too short to make it worthwhile to transition to skinning.   The reward is some very pleasant glade skiing.

Last year's trips  were highly popular,  frequently having as many people on the waitlist as on the roster.    In order to distribute places on the roster more equitably than the "first come, first served" sign up model,  I'm trying a "weighted lottery" approach.    I've made the trip "Leader Permission Required" -- so when you request permission please provide the following information, which I will use for assigning "points" in the weighted lottery:

1) You are a current Mountaineer's member that meets the minimum requirements to participate -- 1 point.
2) Whether you will be fully vacinated for COVID-19 by the trip date -- 1 point.
3) If you have a Wilderness First Badge or other first aid competency (e.g. you are an EMT, MD, LPN, or other medical professional) and are willing to use your skills if  necessary on the trip -- 1 point.

Folks qualified as ski trip leaders and willing to act in that capacity as a co-leader will be accepted without using the lottery.

Note:  A Winter Storm Warning, Extreme Avalanche Forecast from NWAC, Freezing Rain or "Chains Required" on the highway will cancel the trip.    If NWAC forecast is for a High avalanche hazard -- a lower risk route in the area will be selected.