Quick report
- Collapsing
- isolated
We went for a little Christmas ski tour up and around the little lakes valley. Our expectations were low due to thin coverage but we were presently surprised at the condition of the snow we found. Still a bit sharky up there but neither of us hit anything... a Christmas miracle!! - On our way out we felt some collapsing in certain shaded areas at all elevations (9000' - 10200'). This was collapsing on the crust layer below the fresh snow from the 12/24 storm (20-30 cm). - Though the fresh snow seemed not to be a great amount, it still would slide under us at points, sliding on that older crust layer while skinning up the steeper sections of our track. Due to these obs., we stayed on lower angle terrain to avoid any steeps with potential for loose and unconsolidated slides. - We were out for most of the day, and even though the temps were warm in the sun, the snow was mostly fluffy and powdery! Though a few moist spots near trees, but these felt to be fewer than we expected. - It was a beautiful day with no wind at all, and increasing cloud cover as the day went on keeping the touring comfortable. - Another storm or two and we may be able to finally escape the necessity of touring for turns only in the Mammoth area... - At 10,200' on a NE slope below Patricia bowl... HS of 80cm. 20-25 cm of fresh cold and powdery snow on top of a solid crust layer. Snow felt rather sugary and mostly faceted below this crust line. Brief hand pits throughout the day were consistent with the findings of weaker snow below the crust line. Due to fading daylight, I opted not to dig into the pack.