Union Pass

Trails in this area are ungroomed but still marked well enough for a ride assuming good visibility due to so,w remaining trail markers. Enough loose snow on the trail above 8,500' to keep the machine cool and build some snow drifts. Snowpack was about 3' deep above that elevation though southerly aspect are much thinner. Rock Springs Snopokes' Strawberry Safety shelter was well stocked with a solar powered sat phone to Sheriff's Office. Adjacent peaks in Wilderness areas in the northern Winds and Tosi Peak area showed no recent large avalanche activity. The warming trend this weekend could melt roads enough to make access on foot reasonable. 

Cornices and large drifts from recent wind. Last nights snow looked remain dry enough to produce some wet snow problems tomorrow as temps warm under clear skies.