Quick report
Similar conditions as noted in the Avalanche Reporter observations on 11/24. Roughly 8 -12” more snow than previous observation. You can still drive to the Gem Lake trailhead via Lightning Creek. We were able skin up from the trailhead at 4600’. Adequate coverage for actual skiing at 5500’.. Overall kept it mellow and low angle to prevent risking hitting buried objects/rocks/logs. Signs of obvious wind transport from ridgeline above Gem Lake in to the Lake Estelle basin. Slope looked loaded, we decided not to ski towards Lake Estelle due to a combination of obvious wind loading and potentially poorly covered talus coupled with steeper slope angle. We skinned up the windward side of the ridge crest to the 6700’ peak NE of gem lake, and skied back down the same ridge on the leeward side. Snow on both sides of the ridge highly wind affected however was skiable. Skied from the saddle between 6400’ and 6700’ peaks back down to gem lake. Very good snow conditions (boot top consolidated powder, well bonded with a hint of wind effect) from saddle between peak 6700 & 6400 down to Gem Lake. Okay coverage, had to watch for areas of brush/blowdown We skin skied the trail down to 5400’ and then booted down from there. Put skis back on at 4900’ and skin skied the trail to the truck. A nice day in the mountains.