Conditions Update for Mazama and the Methow Valley - April 13, 2019
After a lower than normal snow year, we are beginning to see the signs of Spring here in Mazama and the Methow Valley. Here is the update so you can plan your next visit!
Washington Pass is open from the east to Silverstar Gate. The road crew have plowed past WA Pass and it is expected that WSDOT may open the North Cascades Hwy by Friday April 19! It is open for bikers and the curious walkers beyond the gate Friday-Sunday until it opens.
Hart's Pass is plowed to Cache Creek. There is patchy snow and dirt for the first mile above the parking but there is access to snow up high.
Backcountry skiers can easily access Silverstar Glacier from the gate. The snow is soft and punchy just above the highway but you can ski from the car. If the Pass opens on the 19th, the Birthday Tour will be the place to be next weekend. The snow depth is only 60% of normal so we expect it to melt off quickly this year. Keep you eye on the temps for solid freezes overnight.
Hiking trails are limited to the lowlands. Spokane Gulch is open above Mazama and has flowers popping. Patterson Mountain, Lewis Butte, and Pipestone Canyon are open for hiking too. It is too early for any trails in the Mountains.
Bikers have a new option on Lewis Butte. There is a flowy machine built trail from the Riser Lake parking and, if combined with the Riser Lake loop, you have an 8 mile ride with over 1000' of elevation gain. The Community Trail and Jacks Trail in Mazama are rideable now too. Bowen and Full Frontal near Lester Rd are dry as are many of the Virginia Ridge trails including Dirty Paws. Sun Mountain, Buck Mountain, and Rendezvous Basin bike trails are still too snowy.
Climbers will find dry rock at Fun Rock and the Matrix. Prospector will have some wet routes but much will be dry too. The Goat Wall is dry and ready for action with the exception of Restless Natives. Fly Boys continues to see a lot of traffic. Goat Creek Rd is not even close to ready for a shuttle so plan to rappel the routes on Goat Wall.
Some good news on the guidebook front - I've heard from Bryan Burdo that he will print a new version of Mazama Rock with updates to Fun Rock and will include Fly Boys. It will not have the Matrix or Mazama Granite chapters this go around. I'm hoping to have copies for sale by the 20th of April!
Give us a call at the shop if you have any specific questions or a report to give us. 509-996-2515.
All of our new Spring products are arriving daily. We will have an excellent selection of all the clothing, shoes, gear, guidebooks, and maps you need for your next adventure in the Methow Valley!
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