The Branch Hoppers Explorers arrived at Cascades Montessori
full of energy and excitement about the extended outing in the Mt. Baker
Wilderness. Driving out the 542 the boys spotted Bald Eagles along the North
fork of the Nooksack River and marveled at snow walls that started in Deming and
grew ever deeper as we slowly gained elevation. The mentors pointed out the
significance and importance of the low elevation snow pack for our glaciers,
salmon, fire season, and drinking water.
Arriving at the upper parking lot of the boys geared up and
we headed towards the backcountry gate. In our opening meeting the mentors let
the group know that backcountry travel in the winter is a lot different than an
outing in the front country, and although we wouldn’t be venturing out too far
from the parking lot it doesn’t take long to be out in the deep winter
wilderness.
The mentors went on to explain that knowing the snow pack
was of the upmost importance, and that it was another form of tracking. Last
weekend it had snowed three to five feet, but on the following Thursday it had
rained over four inches, consolidating the layers in the snow pack. However, on
Friday it snowed fourteen inches with thirty-five mph winds which added storm
slab and wind loading on North to South aspects with subpar bonding to the
previous layer.
One mentor passed around a special compass rose that modeled
the three different elevation levels and the danger each directional aspect
presented. Together we discussed: winter backcountry travel and etiquette,
avalanche prone slopes and terrain traps, defined wind loading and storm slab, and
located and identified tree wells.
Feeling oriented we headed out in search of the ideal
location to build a snow cave. Trudging along the mentors pointed of some of
the prominent peaks and backcountry ski runs in the area. Those who were not
wearing snowshoes post-holed up to their waists in the snow. This was a
challenge for both the Explorers and the mentors!
Arriving at a Northwestern-facing slope we pulled out an
avalanche probe and found snow depth at roughly 240cm or 7.8 feet. This was as far as our probed reached, but from
the NWAC meter data at 5,100 feet elevation the snow depth was most likely 16
to 20 feet! Being careful not to compact the snow the group excavated a four by
four foot section down five feet before making an entrance to their cave.
The shoveling was difficult with the recent consolidation
and the going was slow, but the group persisted. Our goal was to dig into the bottom
of the well about three feet then dig slightly upward before we started to
excavate out the sleeping area. Having a stair like entry inside the start of
the snow cave traps heat within in the structure’s insulating walls. One of the
mentors gave an example to the group of sleeping in a snow cave and lighting
one emergency candle which brought the temperature up to sixty-five degrees!
Our mentors would like to commend the Explorers for working
well together and for their engagement with the place and skill. The boys
traded off with the limited amount of shovels and collaborated on each step in
the snow cave process. If they were not working on the snow cave they were
digging tunnels, side shelters, or creating a sledding track. Over the last few
outing the group has really been harmonizing and collaborating, treating each
other with respect and care, and listening and being present in the explorations.
The group spent the last part of the day learning the art of
shovel sledding, making snow cones with red Power Aid, soaking up Vitamin D and
spectacular mountain views, and rejoicing with their peers in the moment. It
was truly a pleasure to spend a day in the mountains with the Branch Hoppers.
We live in an amazing place and this day was a great way to reinforce this
truth. Before heading out we gave some thanks and each Explorer shared about
what he had learned and what had challenged him about the process.
For more photos of our winter exploration please visit the Branch
Hoppers’ photo album from
the day.
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