Cat Ridge

3 " of overnight snow at the valley bottom had me optimistic for some easier travel today:

• No such luck as I found only a trace (0-1") at the trailhead which melted quickly during short periods of sun 
• Walked ridge to 6800' without finding enough snow to justify putting on boots and skis
• In isolated pockets of snow above 6500' on N slopes, found a thick and supportable surface crust from the weekend warming
• Favored areas at upper elevations appear to have received 2-3 inches of new snow
• Steady but light easterly winds blew snow from the trees
• Limit visibility prevented views of avalanche terrain

Hasty pit at 6800' N aspect:  HS= 100 cm, 2cm of new on top of 20cm Pencil hard melt freeze crust.  Some softer (4 Finger) and wet layers below.