We covered a lot of terrain today and saw just about every type of snow surface imaginable. Conditions were highly variable across aspects and elevations. (I am trying to find more ways to say it was a mixed bag out there…) A small amount of new snow greatly improved travel on solar aspects in upper Little Cottonwood, making for slightly less slick surfaces. Polar aspects between LCC and BCC held soft, faceted snow out of the wind zone, while upper elevation wind-drifted terrain had more texture and a bit of a wind crust. Old tracks were still noticeable, but overall were starting to soften, making for more consistent soft turns, especially on slightly lower angle terrain.
Snow continued nearly all the way out Cardiff Fork, making for a fast exit.
In Butler Fork, the snow surface barely existed to begin with. We started out in running shoes, and solar aspects were a mix of dirt, bushes, and damp, crusty, collapsible snow. Travel on solar aspects was harrowing. If you’re looking to work on uphill bushwhacking, now is an excellent time to dial in those skills. Once we reached Baker Pass, travel improved significantly, and we were able to put our skis back on after nearly crawling through the foliage.
Dropping into Millcreek, we found excellent, highly faceted, smooth, and enjoyable riding up high. The snow was easily sluffing within the faceted surface and entraining more snow. As elevation dropped, the exit became thinner and bushier, with exposed rocks along much of the summer trail.
Across the entire tour, anything out of the wind and even slightly shaded had facets on the surface.
Solars are losing snow rapidly, making some exits and entrances challenging, but if you can stay on the polar side of the compass, there are still fun turns to be found.
Coverage along the Cardiff Ridgeline and looking up LSB/Superior
Faceted snow surface on North-facing terrain in upper Cardiff Fork
Creek crossing in Cardiff Fork
Butler Fork lower trail conditions
Coverage looking up canyon at the Solars from Circle Awl
Some of the easier travel in Mill A Basin towards Baker Pass
Enjoyable faceted snow in upper Porter Fork
