Windy Above Red Lake

Toured up from Red Lake to the base of Elephant's Back trying to remember how to skin and getting a picture of the early season conditions. Snow depth varied by aspect but was around 60 cms on shady slopes. Surface conditions on northerly aspects were mostly very soft with a crust on sunny aspects. Given the relatively shallow snow pack there were many areas where rocks or willows made travel a bit difficult. Still, it was possible to skin and descend on skis in this zone. On ridges and open areas near and above treeline winds were occassionally quite strong and cold today. Lower in the trees the wind was moderate and I found conditions were easier to enjoy. 

Photo 1: There are multiple small streams and areas of open water present in the area. 

Photo 2: This skin track was actively refilling with blowing snow made up of new snow fragments & graupel. 

Photo 3: On sunny aspects a breakable melt freeze crust was present. 

Photo 4: Grass and rocks poking up on a south facing wind swept slope. 

Photo 5: Looking up at Elephant's Back. The plumes of blowing snow were impressive in person.

Photo 6: This established skin track is completely obscured just past the trees b/c it was filled in by blowing snow. 

Photo 7: A small area of wind slab in near tree line terrain. 

Photo 8: The old road that climbs up to Carson Pass from Red Lake has enough coverage to travel via skis but just barely.

Photo 9: Looking down on Red Lake and Red Lake Peak in the distance.