Mediocre, mashed, moist and misty

We climbed the ‘central knoll’ of Elk Mountain today. Instead of our usual approach from the North we tried something different and ascended via the “Elk sled zone” (SW aspect). The MIN title says it all - it was variable. Firm old surface wind slab above 1600 m, crusty at treeline, and mashed potatoes below treeline. The day was foggy, we did not get above the valley cloud at 1700 m. Temperatures were above 0°. Looks like more precipitation is in the forecast for the weekend, bring it on we need it!