East Shore snow observations

We set out hoping to ski the Bear Scratch and planned to turn around at the first sign of instability. A persistent bush layer was found at lower elevations from Lake level to about 6,600 ft. No whoomping or collapsing was observed during the skin-up. Firm wind slabs were found in exposed areas with sparse trees but were unreactive. Ski pole penetrometer detected no weak layers with a very dense impenetrable layer varying from 80 CM to 120 CM on NW facing slope from 7,500 ft to 8000 ft. West face had cold snow above the treeline and was slightly wind-affected. At and below treeline the snow became denser and surface facets were observed but the skiing continued to be optimal.