October 17
Interested in snow conditions, I walked up Cardiff.
Not sure what is with the aggressive moose these days but,
I got charged by a young female who followed me for half a mile. Must not like the collar.
Anyhow...
Elevations, slope angles and aspects
7400-10500, angles over 35°, north facing aspects
Snow conditions
I put skis on at about 9k because there was several inches on the shady road. An actual base doesn't exist till around 9500' with 4-10".
Up higher, the three storm layers can be found on shady north facing. More snow on northeast than northwest faces.
Marginally skiable on north facing above 10k. Lower angles have better support.
Weather
Clear to partly cloudy skies. wind from the south early, switching to the northwest by afternoon. Gusts to 15 mph off the ridges.
Moderate temperatures.
Snow pit
Recent snow was recrystallizing, evident where a variable wind drifted layer was present.
Evaluation
Stable snow on the north facing.
Weather guessers have no snow in the forecast so..we'll see if it rots.
In case you want to go there, the gate at Reynolds Flat is locked.
I used 130s and the most uncomfortable mountain boots in the world, La Sportiva Makalus.
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