St. Helens this weekend?

blancoh2o · Since 15 Mar 2005 1154 Posts Oregon Phishy

Is there anybody in the know about the event this weekend? Is the access still snowbound? Is anyone going to try to get up there or should we make plans for something else?

A friend sent me some pictures of his snowkiting transport rig from last weekend. They tied a flat bottomed alluminum boat to a snowmobile and pulled it into the back country. It looked like a great way to go and was able to haul a lot of gear.

Bettyboarder · Wed Mar 12, 08 7:41 am

I was trying to get Phil into the idea of renting snowmobiles one day this weekend. Anyone know if there is a place to rent them on the way up to St. Helens? What about Mt. Adams?

rich · Since 30 Nov 2005 306 Posts portland Obsessed

sweet avatar BB. F'n unicorns

Sol-flyer · Wed Mar 12, 08 8:16 am

as far as i know the event has been canceled Crying or Very sad

here is the info on the pskite forum:
http://pskite.org/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=827

Airnsails · Since 22 Jun 2005 104 Posts Hood River, OR Stoked

Canceled or not, I'm heading up on Sat or Sunday depending on weather. If anyone want to join in, get in touch. You can rent sleds in Carson, Wa at the local snowmobile dealership. They can also tell what the approach is like.

Let hope for wind and visibility.

boredbrain · Since 16 Feb 2006 352 Posts Hood River Obsessed

http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/recreation/winter/current-conditions.shtml
is the current conditions of the forest service website and here is the latest onMarble

Mt Adams looks like lots of snow, but not sure where to go, may need to scout teh area, unless some one can shine the light.

Marble Mountain March 05 , 2008

Snow Depth: Snowpark is CLOSED until further notice due to heavy snowfall and downed trees. Information on discontinued plowing and status of the Washington State Sno-Park program.

Rating/Remarks: Forecasts call for intermittent snowfall, warming temperatures and rain, so please exercise caution when traveling on forest roads and trails. Check website for current avalanche information. A temporary bridge has been constructed across the creek at the June lake trailhead. Barriers are in place to the right of bridge at 83 Road washout. Forest Road 8312 is closed to snowmobiling, a barrier 1/4 mile up 8312 Road marks the washout.

Road Information: Forest Road 83 is CLOSED at 90 junction due to lack of funding by Washington State Parks. There are patches of pavement showing on the lower section of Forest Road 83. Parking at the 83/90 junction is very limited with few places to turn around.

Grooming: Forest Road 83 beyond June Lake Ck is not being groomed at this time due to inaccessibility. Check website for grooming updates.

splaterwin · Since 17 Nov 2005 165 Posts Vancouver Stoked

Was up on Saint Helens on Sunday. Sled ride on road to Marble Snow Park is really bad, rough ride. By now I would think lots of bare spots for first mile or so. The forecast for last Sunday said little wind so we did not bring kites, big mistake. Wind was perfect for snow kiting. We had fun regardless riding and watching many in group ride to top of rim. It takes some big balls to do that ride. Watched as one in the group took his wife to the top, yes doubled up. The last 1000 feet vertical is very steep and if you don't make it your in deep shit. Might head back this weekend on Sunday if snow level drops and forecast holds true.

Mark · Wed Mar 12, 08 12:15 pm

Where did u off load your sled? Was it at the turn off that starts heading up? (Before ape caves ect) (might be the turn off 503)
Also, what direction was the wind coming from?

splaterwin · Since 17 Nov 2005 165 Posts Vancouver Stoked

At intersection of 83 & 90. Parking is bad, get there early and bring wheels because you may need to ride bare road. Long haul, about 7 miles on ungroomed road. Wind was light in morning peaking 15 to 20 in afternoon with southeast direction.

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1738 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster

Brad asked me to post this for him:
even though the situation remains the same with the road closure, it is possible to get in by sled.
Brad is down in that area and will attempt to go in on Sunday so if anyone is up for the activity, sunday might be the best call.
This is a essential snow mobile activity as the road is closed and makes it 12- 15 miles in from the closest parking area.
If you are up for it, call Brad direct and coordinate with him.
brad gordon 206 300 0450

boredbrain · Since 16 Feb 2006 352 Posts Hood River Obsessed

With the new snow, how would the roads be? I have a machine and a tow behind sled and would go but don't want to beat the heck out of it, since I have never been there and the road/trail doesn't sound like it is in good condition. I could get gear and few people in, no promises at this time.

Also How long is the drive from Hood River, at least two hours I would think, if not three.

Kraemer · Since 24 Apr 2006 1736 Posts Sky Pilot Unicorn Captain

It DumpED today! 28ºish+ A little sticky I would think. I didn't go Sad

gabe · Since 16 May 2005 491 Posts Obsessed

why is not reaching the top so calamitous?

Mark · Fri Mar 14, 08 7:27 pm

You have to zig and zag and go up a long very steep bowl. If you can't stop at the top and put your chains on you come down very fast. I have come down doing 70 with the brakes on full. Shocked

You must be able to make the zig and zags on the way down or go over a cliff. All in all very sketchy. That being said, when it all goes well you are on top of the world! Oh yeah, watch out for the huge cornise on top!

gabe · Since 16 May 2005 491 Posts Obsessed

oh, i thought he meant kiting up, didn't realize it was about sledding. what are these "chains" you use on the steep descent?

Mark · Sat Mar 15, 08 9:35 am

chains are 12 inch loops of chain that you put over your skis. they create a ton of drag under the skis that help slow u down.

Mark · Mon Mar 17, 08 12:56 pm

Did anyone make it up?