Backcountry Ski/Snowboard - Silver Peak

An up and over route that features more descending than climbing, at least under favorable conditions.

We will follow the traditional "Nordic Pass" route through the forest.  This route skirts the Summit ski area boundaries -- so a Summit "Uphill Pass" will not be required for this outing.  

Avalanche exposure along the lower portion of the route is limited.    As we enter the North Basin of Silver peak avalanche exposure increases and we will evaluate conditions.   If conditions are favorable we will climb to the upper  and  then to  the north ridge at 5300 ft.   The open slopes leading down to Lake Annette can yield 1600 vft of turns -- at least if the snow isn't wind hammered.   From the lake the most enjoyable ski out follows the west side of Humpback  Creek -- these slopes are low enough angle that a skier triggered avalanche isn't a big concern -- however it is a deposition zone for slopes above.   If we aren't confident about the stability of the slopes above, we will ski out along  hiking trail on the east side of the creek.      

My Caltopo map of the area:   https://caltopo.com/m/RDL8S 

I will initially set the roster count to zero and then after the final sign up date -- I will selectively move people from the waitlist to the roster for a group size of  eight.   

1) Whether the person's skiing ability and fitness are a good match with other members available on the waiting list
2) Whether the person has Wilderness First Aid, or other medical training as is willing to act as a caregiver if there is a mishap.
3) Whether the person has participated in a stewardship activity in the last year (for example trail maintenace or something like that)
4) Whether the person is willing to carpool.

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 tour with less avalanche potential than the Alpental valley will be used 

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

Carpooling from the Issaquah area -- precise location TBA
6:30AM 

Ashel Curtis SNO-PARK
7:15AM
We will leave a car here for shuttle

Hyak / Summit East outer parking lot.
7:45AM 

Note:  The summit has a new parking policy for this season.   Parking permits will be required 

I have a lift pass and parking permit for my van -- so if you carpool with me you are covered.   

If you are driving/carpooling separately -- be sure to review the Summit parking permit terms carefully.

https://summitatsnoqualmie.com/parking-guide