Variable conditions at Barker Pass

Broad spectrum of conditions in the Barker Pass area.  On the approach we found isolated pockets of surface hoar in shaded, sheltered terrain.  Northerly facing terrain near the pass was dominated by rain crust.  Some areas with enough wind protection hosted 2-3” of fist hard, near surface facets.  This faceting layer sits on top of a strong rain crust that shows minimal signs of erosion from the faceting process.  Looking into Desolation Wilderness was an obvious illustration of the prolific distribution of our rain crust… the ice was glistening.  South aspects began softening around 10:00am and had 2-3" of wet snow by noon.