17
Nov
2016
jloomis

Not quite enough snow yet for the 2016/17 snowmobile season

We had our first real snow storm Tuesday night into Wednesday. The snow came down below pass level on Mt Hood finally. I was beginning to wonder if it would ever get cold with the record warm days we have been having this month. Being the first storm and a forecast of rising snow levels this weekend, I took Thursday off to see if there was enough snow to snowmobile. I took my friend Kevin and we headed to my customary early season riding area at Bennett Pass Sno Park.

We arrived a bit after 8 AM to an empty parking lot as I suspected. Conditions looked promising with 4-6" of snow at Bennett Pass Sno Park. The ODOT reporting station nearby was only reporting 3" of snow and Mt Hood Meadows was reporting 9", so I was hopeful we conditions would keep improving as we climbed up in elevation.

Kevin ready to snowmobile from Bennett Pass Sno Park     4-6

Unfortunately the snow thinned out as it often does in the early season. We rode to the top of the "Terrible Traverse" and turned around at the notch. The snow thinned out at the top and continued for quite a ways (we walked up the trail for about 5 minutes with no improvement in the snow conditions). Oh well. At least I got to run the snowmobiles for a little and enjoy the beautiful outdoors. I love snow and can't wait for more!

Mt Hood covered in snow     Notch at the top of the 'Terrible Traverse'

2016/17 Mileage

Trip: 5 miles
Season: 5 miles
Total Days: 1

2015/16 Season: 408 miles, 15 days

Gear List

2014 Polaris 800 Pro RMK Snowmobile
2013 Polaris 800 Switchback Assault Snowmobile
Up North Technologies PRO SERIES Snowmobile Cargo Rack
P-700-B Low Profile Powder Keg
HMK Summit V16 Pack
GMAX GM76X Helmet
Smith Phenom Turbo Fan Goggles
Columbia Men’s Bugaboot Max Electric Boots
HMK Hustler 2 Snowmobile Pants
Columbia Titanium Hightail II Softshell Jacket
HMK Cascade Snowmobile Jacket
Columbia Powerfly Down Puff Jacket
Head Digital Sport Liner Gloves
Outdoor Research Ambit Gloves
Columbia Men's Fast Trek Fleece Hat
Balaclava
HighGear ATF8 Altimeter
Petzl TIKKA XP 2 Headlamp
Olympus Tough TG-1 Camera
Lifeline Aluminum Sport Utility Snow Shovel
Fiskars POWER TOOTH Softgrip 10" Folding Saw
First Aid Kit
SPOT Gen3
Samsung Galaxy S6 Active w/BackCountry Navigator
Suunto A-10 Compass

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Disclaimer: You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards of backcountry travel and taking the necessary precautions. Loomis Adventures may not be held liable.