Deep Creek Observation

Toured up Deep Creek to assess coverage at various elevations, and on various aspects, in anticipation of the storms that are hopefully coming our way. At 6,439' on a northern aspect, 35 cm of snow could be found. However, on south aspects of the same elevation, conditions were melted out to the rocks, dirt and stumps. At 8,300', on a NNE aspect, 82 cm of snow was present. Peering over the Sierra Crest, looking towards the south facing flanks of Tinker Knob, wind scouring and melting had left behind a patchwork of grass and shallow snow at elevation, while the lower parts of the drainage appear to hold a deeper snowpack. Returning to the car, I was thankful to have the summer road to follow, to diminish the chances of skiing over rocks and logs.