Rubicon

We toured Rubicon Peak. We stopped short of the peak at about 8900 ft due to observable cornices and greater visibility of exposed obstacles.

Snow depth ranged from 56 cm at the bottom of 6925 ft, 75 cm at about 7500 ft, and 105 cm at our highest point of 8900 ft. The snow was heavier than expected; although we stayed away from slopes steeper than 30 degrees, the snow required angles of above 25 degrees to move through it effectively. Coverage was good at the top and so-so at the bottom. From 8900 down to 7500 ft, it was possible to avoid hitting obstacles by going around any kind of wave pattern in the snow. Below 7500 ft, some obstacles were barely covered and only required a ski-over to expose it. We both hit plenty of rocks and some logs and branches. 

The descent was definitely enjoyable, but sometimes nerve-wracking, as we constantly assessed coverage and extent of obstacles. It pays to be conservative at the moment.