Quick report
Standard route up Fresno Ridge from the MP48 lot. Tried to put in a skin track where I've usually seen it previous years, but the couple hundred vertical feet above the powerline were still in need of more snow to make that a viable route. Ended up exploring more of the deep hemlock groves than we really needed to. Found surface hoar developing on protected slopes in the mid-elevations around 1,900', see photo 1. Snowpack depth seemed to be noticeably thinner than on the east side of the highway the previous day (11.08.2025.) Not sure how much of that was attributable to post-storm settling vs. less snow fell during the storm. Informal pole probing indicated HS 90-110cm most of the way from 2,000-2,600', with wind effects in the usual spots along the ridge route. Qualitatively it also felt like the top 40cm of snow was more faceted than on Manitoba the previous day. Again not sure if that was a difference in the snow that fell during the storm or just another day of metamorphosis under clear skies. Weather was mostly calm, clear, and moderate temps during the early afternoon. As soon as the sun set behind Colorado Peak around 3:00p, thick valley fog developed in the shadow - see photo 2. Ski quality was very high from our transition point at 2,600' through the open meadows section. Down lower there are still lots of early season alder hazards that haven't filled in. Beware if you end up following ski tracks trying to get out, some of them are probably fine but ours would lead you straight into a turbo thrash.