Bumping Lake

I enjoyed checking out a new area on East South, and it came with a lot of adventure. Multiple travel modes were necessary, including skinning, walking, and even some skiing. Creek crossings were a bit tricky, and there is still a lot of alder to contend with once you leave the summer trails. I expected challenging travel on icy surfaces or breakable crusts and was surprised by a wet and punchy snowpack instead. As I stepped off my skis to dig a snow profile, I sank to the ground in almost 3 feet of snow. Despite the snowpack water content, I didn't see any recent wet loose activity. Even though the snowpack was saturated, it was suitable for skiing with pleasant corn-like conditions in open areas. 

There were 6-12 inches of snow at 3500ft, greater depths in more open areas, and shallower under the tree canopy. This was enough snow for skinning but not quite enough for skiing. Around 4500ft, snow was more consistent with approximately 2ft in the valley bottom. Once over 5000ft, snow depths increased to 2-3 feet, and travel in open areas became more manageable. The snowpack was wet and supportable to skis but not boots. 

A quick snow profile at 5500ft on an NE aspect had just under 3ft of snow. There were two notable crusts, with wet snow in between. The upper crust is thin and breaking down with the warm temperatures. The lower crust is thicker and a bit stronger. Below the lower crust is large clustered wet grains that are very weak.