PCT Crossing

Today we ski toured in the PCT crossing area near Sonora Pass. After seeing runnels and rain affected snow on most of our terrain we wanted to get a feel for terrain that most likely to be unaffected, the alpine above the 10.5k rain line.  We toured up a North face up to 11k and experienced firm surface conditions for skinning up. We crested a low saddle on the rideline and immediately felt  the difference on the S aspect. Snow was affected by the sun. We boot packed a little higher on the ridge and experienced shin deep boot pen. 

In conclusion we saw N aspects remaining cold and firm above the 10.5k rain line and although S faces were above the rain snow line, solar input was enough to warm the snowpack and create wet snow.