Corn Snow on Rose Knob

We toured in the Rose Knob area today looking for good spring snow.  Warm temperatures and light winds provided soft corn snow on S and SE aspects at mid-day.  A firm and well established melt freeze crust exists on S and SE aspects up to 12'' deep and extends to the ground in some areas.  The forecasted NE winds with gusts up to 50mph did not materialize today with warm conditions and light winds on the summit at 9700'.  E aspects remain transitional with 4-6'' of soft punchy snow.  Northerly aspects remain firm with variable snow conditions.

 

Snow coverage has decreased in this area over the past week.  It was still possible to remain on snow during our whole tour, but large areas of dirt, rocks, and vegetation are starting to exist below 8500'.  The creek is flowing with open water below 8000'.