Goldmyer and Scenic HS Snow Conditions
From a message posted by BAS in the Goldmyer MSN Group:
Our group of 4 made it to the springs over the Feb. 2-3 weekend but not without an extreme test of endurance. We were able to drive a custom lift, 4-wheel drive jeep into the snow zone and within 13 miles of the cabin before having to pull over. We then skied the remainder of the distance through very deep snow. It took 7.5 hours to ski to the river crossing and 6 hours to get back to the car. This trip was epic and more a test of physical endurance than one of "soaking in the springs". The 4 of us were all experienced skiers with extensive wilderness-backcountry travel experience and in extremely good condition. We each carried enough gear, food and first aid for a multi-day winter trip into the wilderness. Unless you can ski 12 miles with 60+ lbs. of gear on your back, I do not recommend attempting a trip to the springs at this time. There is also enough new (large) windfall across both the lower and upper roads to make driving impossible. To drive there, plan on several days of cutting and clearing just to get to the locked gate.
Scenic is even in worse shape, snow-wise. I spoke with a friend in Skykomish, Wa (12 west of Scenic HS) and he tells me the settled snow base across the valley and at the same elevation as Scenic is 120" . . . 10ft. Scenic is on the colder, north facing slope, typically getting more snow. Since that conversation things have just gotten worse with five to six feet more snow.
The snow berms along Highway 2 - Image WA-DOT Creative Commons-Attribution/Noncommercial/Share Alike License
The snow berms along Highway 2 are over 8ft high on average. Roofs have collapsed in Skykomish and a report of trees down across power lines.
Stevens Pass was closed earlier today because of avalanches and wind speeds over 100 miles per hour (yeap, hurracaine force winds at the Pass!) The risk remains high. Much of the 2 mi route up to the hot springs traverses cleared slopes with greater than 40deg slopes, the trigger point for avalanche worries. Added the seesaw warming and cooling temperatures and we have all the ingredients for dangerous conditions in the Stevens Pass area and to a lesser-extent on the slopes approaching the hot springs. As I write right now, the Scenic area is experiencing winter blizzard conditions.
Removing a slide near MP 63 - Image WA-DOT Creative Commons-Attribution/Noncommercial/Share Alike License
Until these conditions improve, please stay away from the springs. The risk is not worth it.
For the latest information on Goldmyer Hot Springs you can visit their website or contact Beth at (206) 789-5631.
The latest information on Scenic Hot Springs is posted here.
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