6 mile

We set out to ski 6 mile ridge. We were able to drive until the gate at around 4100ft, but could have driven much more if there was no gate-at least where the closed road cuts back at 4500ft. Ascended the trail but turned back once we hit the end of the trees around 6000ft. Above the tree line high winds (20ish mph sustained) from the north were starting to produce wind scarred snow and load lower south facing slopes. Snow coverage over the ample deadfall in this area made skiing difficult. Would recommend waiting for another foot or two before attempting. Noted some cracking while skinning above 5000ft which decreased some after 5800. Cracks would be perpendicular to the skis starting about underfoot and protruding outwards for a maximum of about 1/2 a ski length. The depth of this cracking layer seemed shallow (3in) and was seemed to be from the snowfall on Thanksgiving evening (the previous evening). Overall snow quality where there was coverage was good- snow was on the lighter side and not sticky and we experienced no globing on our skins. Weather was overcast until 11:15, then partially cloudy with some sun, and overcast again by 1:45 when we returned to our vehicle. This was in alignment with the forecast in onX except the winds seemed higher than forecasted. Overall there just isn’t enough coverage here yet for a worthwhile expedition. Would recommend going elsewhere where road access will yield more vertical and with less hazardous deadfall.

Quick report