Wet, slushy snowfall at the TH. Winery Road was plowed today but just up to the turnoff to the Snoqualmie Point TH parking lot. Upon arrival, mine and one other vehicle were in the lot and snow about 6" deep (see picture). However upon return, the lot had been used by drivers doing donuts ... I'm feeling glad they didn't crash into my vehicle. Unless the lot is plowed, without a higher clearance vehicle it might be best to park on Winery Road and walk in.
The falling snow covered a slushy layer. If this freezes, it will be slippery. Snowshoes probably weren't necessary for the first 1.3 miles, plus/minus. When the trail passes under the tree canopy, snow is not very deep. Boots with traction devices could suffice; especially after someone has tromped down the snow (like me, in snowshoes 😘). After ~1800' elevation (about 1.5 miles), the claws on my snowshoes weren't bottoming out anymore. Occasionally, there are snow-laden branches and small trees across the trail (see picture). I didn't find it difficult to go around or under. At Stan's Overlook, the picnic table and bench are almost buried (see picture). Since I started late, I had to turn around at Stan's Overlook and save Grand Prospect for another day (and hopefully more, drier snow). As it was, my snowshoes were likely carrying at least an extra pound of wet snow which made for extra effort and required stops to remove.
The vault toilets are open and stocked with TP. But, as the signs on the doors say, they are not regularly maintained, which explains the abundant trash left inside😝.
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