Last nights clearing after a week of unsettled weather
allowed for a good freeze of the upper snowpack overnight making for quick
travel and great corn skiing – even a little powder on high elevation, steep
North aspect alpine terrain.
I initially headed up towards Youngs Peak from the Asulkan
Parking lot – I had just started to travel down the railroad grade when I
ran into some Grizzly tracks that came down off Abbot and then headed up the trail
– unfortunately in the direction I had hoped to go – they looked to
have been made later yesterday afternoon – but I wasn’t keen to find
out if she/he was hanging around so I aborted that plan and headed up behind
the hotel towards Bruins Pass and Pk. 8812.
I walked on a mostly supportive crust (some weak spots under
the tree covered part of the trail) before putting my skis on just after
crossing the path known as “Frequent Flyer”. Managed without ski
crampons as the surface softened enough when needed to get an edge.
Crust held on everything except steep South Aspects just
above the valley – I was out by 12:30 and I am sure things continued to
soften more after that.
This morning East aspects were soft enough to ski by 8 am –
SE by 10am and I am sure the West onto North had good skiing fairly late in the
afternoon.
Lots of old wet snow deposits from the last few days –
mostly out of steep terrain and up to size 2 – nothing was moving by the
time I exited but it definitely looked pretty warm in steep Rocky areas.
Powdery North aspects had @15-20cms over a strong crust.
Lots of Cornices along ridge crests that have yet to feel
the real heat of spring – so I would be especially wary of them for the
next while as the sun makes it presence known over the weekend.
Other than that lots of great spring skiing to be had if
things continue to freeze overnight – of course Timing is everything –
next to Location Location Location – which is of course all about Timing!
Have a great weekend (and yes I will hang up the skis after
today – I promise Larry)
Scott Davis
ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide
