Unconsolidated Snow in Wind Protected Northerly Terrain

Cold unconsolidated snow continues to exist on steep northerly terrain in the Mt. Rose area.  The right combination of wind protected below treeline terrain, with shaded open areas that are away from previous tree drippings provided the best travel conditions.  Around 4-6'' of cold snow exists with a supportable base.  In wind exposed areas, wind scoured snow was on top of firm crusts (dust on crust conditions).  Lower angle northerly terrain is more variable with breakable crusts, firm crusts, and even some wet spring snow at lower elevations.  Cloud cover began to build in the mid to late morning hours.  By early afternoon, partly cloudy conditions existed with periods of sun.

A snowpit was dug to monitor the upper snowpack-see attached snowpit for more details.