Mt. Baker Conditions Report: Groomers Mid-week, Snow for the Weekend

Naomi VanPatten | | Post Tag for Conditions ReportConditions Report

 

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Top of a groomed Austin with an all too common sign this winter 1/13/15

Baker got the cat crew out this week for more grooming than usual which provided some fun for those mid-week skiers and riders who wanted to work on their carving skills.  White Salmon base area was closed (will be open this weekend) and chairs 1 – 5 were spinning all week with discounted $47 tickets (operations back to normal for the weekend).  Chair 5 seemed to be the best option for a top to bottom rip.  Operating from Heather Meadows for a change because the sun softens up Pan Dome so we could enjoy spring conditions.  But it’s currently snowing!!  6″ of new snow overnight and 7″ in the past 24 hours making a total of 43″ at the base of Heather Meadows and 64″ at the base of Pan Dome.

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This guy is 73! He hiked up from Chair 5 to get the freshest corduroy 1/14/15

With somewhat terrifying conditions off piste, people were getting creative on the groomers and scouting out some untouched corduroy.  And when I say people, crowds were not something to worry about this week.  Besides the handful of off duty employees and a few foreign tourists, I had the hill to myself (daydreaming of Japan on the quiet chair to the top).  Rock skis are still recommended so you don’t worry about the exposed natural features.

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Lower Austin/Blueberry was hard but fast 1/14/15

The theme of this winter so far in the Cascades is “stay above 6000 feet” and in order to do that you most likely have to earn your turns.  Baker is a great place to head if you want some exercise and to get above the rain affected snow.  Check out their website for the backcountry policy.  The clouds have returned and we are expecting some very welcomed snow this weekend so keep those fingers crossed!

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No lift lines in a skin track 1/14/15

MT. BAKER SNOW TOTALS: 

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MT. BAKER FORECAST:

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