Schallenberger Ridge

We keep finding weak snow on shady north aspects, so today, we decided to fill in the picture by targeting a lower elevation N aspect. The limited snow coverage at these elevations made hiking the most reasonable mode of transportation. We used a primarily snow-free trail on the south side of the ridge to access the N side of Schallenberger Ridge. Once we started moving along the ridge, snow coverage increased above 6700 ft, but not enough for us to avoid bushwhacking through the Manzinita. We did find weak snow on the north side of the ridge, but numerous bushes and trees still poke through the snowpack. There may be enough coverage in a few spots to create a smoother surface for the next snowfall. 

The snowpack on south aspects below 7100 ft was virtually nonexistent. N aspects held more snow above 6700 ft. As stated above, the snowpack was weak and shallow in N aspects. It ranged from 6 to 16 inches in depth, with surface hoar on the top and a mix of weak, sugary snow (facets) and crusts below the surface.