Backcountry Ski/Snowboard - Mount McCausland

Tour intended for developing ski tourers to gain experience in a relaxed setting. 

The terrain above the pass between Smithbrook and Lake Valhalla is more challenging -- be able to confidently descend a single black diamond run at a ski area.

Approximate route: http://www.hillmap.com/m/ag1zfmhpbGxtYXAtaGRychULEghTYXZlZE1hcBiAgID2u_61Cgw

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 -- inbounds lift skiing will be a fallback option considered.

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

8:30AM Stevens Pass Yodelin Lot  lat="47.7659938942" lon="-121.076998269"
We will meet here and do introductions, gear and beacon check.    The Yodelin lot is the "Overflow Lot" for the Stevens Resort and likely the less crowded either the alpine or nordic lots.    The parking along HWY-2 at Smithbrook is noisy and a poor location to have a "meet and greet"   After the introductions,    we will proceed to the Smithbrook  Sno-Park  lat="47.7846825713" lon="-121.033160181"  for the actual departure, to get there, head east on HWY-2  to the Steven's Nordic Center  in order to make a U-Turn and come back west.    The parking area is a bit shy of the Smithbrook road.      Use caution while walking on the road shoulder -- usually there is a place to clamber up the snowbank and get away from the traffic.  We will regroup on the bridge  lat="47.784025273" lon="-121.04045222"

For carpooling, please use this tool

http://www.groupcarpool.com/t/ih40oa