It's officially game on. Though the snow pack is still shallow, the base is supportable with up to a foot of light fluffy, powder sitting on top. Wind affected snow exists above tree line, and some southerly aspects may have developed a thin sun crust from the strong sun yesterday, but in sheltered areas conditions are nothing less than sublime. Just don't let your excitement get the best of you as there are still plenty of buried land mines out there such as rocks and dead fall. But by choosing more open, grassy slopes and meadows, it's possible to ride and have a good time doing it. I've even heard reports of people skiing in the North Woods, but I'd advise extra caution in wooded areas, especially as you get lower in elevation.
Northwesterly ridge top winds have been mostly light overnight and are currently blowing in the 5-10 mph range. It's a chilly 7 degrees on Pre-Laurel Peak and 13 degrees at the Geyser Pass Trailhead. Base depth in Gold Basin is 32" and 22" at the Geyser Pass Trailhead.
Storm totals in Gold Basin.(10,000')
Wind, temperature and humidity on Pre Laurel Peak.(11,700')
Snow totals, temperature and snow/water equivalent at the Geyser Pass Trailhead.(9600')
I ran into Evan Clapper out and about yesterday and he provided us with these lovely photos.
From nothing on the ground two weeks ago to this. Not bad for December 1.
Snow is wind affected above tree line.
But drop down below, and it's powder!
I got a good look around yesterday and didn't see any recent avalanche activity beyond some loose snow sluffs that ran during the storm.