January storm approaches

The storm system started blowing in around 9:00am on Monday, Jan 14, 2008. We had already decided not to attempt the summit due to avalanche conditions, so the worsening weather didn't affect our plans. After getting to 9000' we were in white-out conditions, but even a blind squirrel could have made it back to the ski area. The only other two climbers to go out that day attempted the Leuthold Couloir, and missed the lodge on their return. They were found the next day. I was fortunate enough to summit via the Old Chute (Mazama) route on June 30, 2008.