Backcountry Ski/Snowboard - Mount Margaret

Moderate backcountry skiing trip that largely involves tree skiing.   Some of the upper portions of the route are in old growth forest  with large widely spaced trees and some glades.   Lower portions of the route utilize a volunteer cut ski trail through dense regrowth.   This ski trail will certainly be used on the ascent as it cuts several miles off the apporach.   Depending on conditions it may be used for the exit, or if bad breakable crust conditions exist, we can opt to ski down the groomed for snowmobiles RD-4832    

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 haven't been on a Mountaineers ski touring trip within the last year. (classes  or courses aren't considered trips for this purpose) -- 2 points.
4) 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.

So a first time ski tourer , vaccinated, with a WFA badge would have 5 points.

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

I will configure the trip so that everyone that enrolls will go on the waitlist,  after the registration closure date passes,  I will conduct the weighted lottery and transfer the winners from the waitlist to the roster manually.    The final roster size will depend on conditions and the number of qualified ski trip leaders willing to be co-leaders.   
 
The steepness of the terrain is moderate -- but does involve tree skiing, including some tight trees -- I reccommend that your "Lift skiing skills" be that you are a confident "Black Run" skier.    We will ski the more challenging sections with care.  Remember that a "stem turn" is a powerful backcounty ski skill.    We will travel as a group to ensure that no one become separated.

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 profile destination may be selected.

Additional Info:

My Touring Tips
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ORz50-KICoi6mhjK2LsNFTqCrf3MpxuCYJsxm61dZ0k/edit?usp=sharing

My day touring ski pack contents:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tZvHTlJXqYwxn0sF7adqf5SWEqIXgFY5ELi-nQjfjfg/edit?usp=sharing

My Driving Tips:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zJFjWZQ5HXp8UE5pIgKP3ZwursgV_TmkaBGMWRYwN_s/edit?usp=sharing

My Carpooling Tips:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rw46O5vpvOYh6Ouo5kDIk0ENAtunc4ZdGw6oYKZAvSM/edit?usp=sharing

8:00AM
Gold Creek Sno-Park  (sno-park permit required)