Today's NWAC forecast was "considerable" at all levels. Even though the Granite Creek trail does not cross steep slopes, there are steep slopes above the trail (altho the slopes are tree covered), as well as more heavy snow expected as the day progressed. If anyone reading this report has information about the avalanche risk of this trail, please comment.
We opted not to proceed. So this report is about condition of the Granite Creek TH parking lot and the Granite Creek Connector parking area. The road past the Mailbox Peak parking area appears to not have been plowed for some time. My vehicle has 8" of ground clearance and by the I reached the entrance to the Granite Creek TH parking lot, snow was scraping the bottom in some places. The parking area for the Granite Creek Connector TH had much less snow, just a couple inches. The vault toilet at the Granite Creek TH parking lot is open and clean.
King County maintains (snowplows) the Middle Fork road and TH parking lots. If you want KC to make the Granite Creek TH parking lot accessible, contact your KC council representative and contact KC road maintenance (206-477-8100 or 1-800-527-6237). Since other snowshoe trails are not accessible this winter (think: Mt Rainier NP), it's important that local trails become accessible.
Comments
LostLemonhope on Granite Creek Trail to Granite Lakes, Granite Creek Connector Trail
Thanks for the report! I'm going to try to get to the connector TH tomorrow; I'll post a report. The Granite Lakes Trail is relatively safe avalanche-wise. Avalanches can certainly take out trees, but it's rather unlikely given the snowpack isn't particularly deep right now. This storm also came with a west wind, so the faces above the trail ought to be scoured rather than loaded.
Posted by:
LostLemonhope on Dec 20, 2022 06:29 PM
wabi sabi on Granite Creek Trail to Granite Lakes, Granite Creek Connector Trail
I think the avalanche risk of this trail is essentially zero.
Posted by:
wabi sabi on Dec 20, 2022 09:09 PM