Trip Date: April 28, 2018
Nason–Smith Ski Traverse: Stevens Pass to Smith Brook Roadhead
Nason Creek Valley
Lake Valhalla
Lichtenberg Pass
Smith Brook Meadow
Trip Report Summary
Region: North-Central Washington Cascades
Sub-Region: Upper Wenatchee Mountains
Area: Henry M. Jackson Wilderness
Starting Point: PCT-North Trailhead at Stevens Pass on Highway 2 (Elev. 4000 feet)
Way Points: Stevens Pass Railroad Grade & Nason Creek & Lake Valhalla & Lichtenberg Pass & Smith Brook Meadow & Smith Brook Road (ski tour)
High Point: Lichtenberg Pass (Elev. 5100 feet)
Ending Point: Smith Brook Roadhead on Highway 2 (Elev. 3200 feet)
Approximate Stats: 10 miles traveled; 1400 feet gained; 2200 feet lost; 8.0 hours elapsed.
Related Posts
>>> Nason—Smith Ski Traverse – May 21, 2022
>>> Nason–Smith Ski Traverse – April 18, 2021
>>> Nason—Smith Ski Traverse – April 6, 2013
>>> Nason—Smith Ski Traverse – March 19, 2011
>>> Nason—Smith Ski Traverse – March 17, 2007
Full Trip Report
On Saturday, I was joined on my quasi-annual Nason-Smith Traverse by Mark, Russ, Linda, and Sean. This was my 18th edition of the classic traverse, which was quite familiar to some of our group but new to others. Despite going in with a rainy forecast, we were pleased to have only intermittent showers, a few snow sprinkles, and several sun breaks. Furthermore, judging by the number of recent avalanche swaths we crossed along the way, our cool and overcast weather was really a blessing; there had obviously been a lot of avalanche activity during the warm and sunny weather of the previous week.
Heading out on the PCT from Stevens Pass, we skied on 3 to 4 inches of fresh snow over a firm base. Farther up Nason Creek, the fresh snow got deeper and softer, and the older snowpack thickened considerably. At Lake Valhalla, where we stopped for lunch, Russ used his 9-foot avalanche probe to get a measurement on snow depth, and he was able to push the probe down a full 10 feet without hitting bottom. Clearly, we have a healthy snowpack this year. I would also say that the consolidation seems to be running a month or more behind our typical schedule (translation: we have mid-March conditions in late April).
- Skinning Toward Lake Valhalla
- Crossing Lake Valhalla
- Skiing Down From Lichtenberg Pass
- Mark Skiing Down From Pass
- Mark Skiing Down From Pass
- Boulders and Chapeaux Along Road
Equipment Comments
For more information regarding the various equipment that I used for this particular trip and that I typically use for this type of trip, see my gear reviews on the following pages:
>>> Backcountry Telemark Ski Touring Gear
>>> Backcountry Ski & Snowshoe Packs
>>> Wintertime Comfort Accessories
Route Maps & Profile
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Photo Gallery
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