December 5
Bowman trail, Pole Canyon, Cabin run
Elevations, slope angles and aspects
6100-10400', angles over 35°, north and west facing aspects.
Snow conditions
Bare ground at the trail head. Snow amount increased with elevation to 16" + or - in upper Pole canyon.
Micro spikes or something similar are suggested for the trail below White Fir pass.
There was enough snow to skin from the Yellow Jacket gully crossing.
Coverage on the Cabin Run was somewhat variable from wind and sun effect, 8-16".
Several inches of recent snow, over a wind compaceted layer, over facets was most common, with supportable ski conditions.
Weather
Partly cloudy skies, mild temperatures and light wind.
Snow pit
Evaluation
Good stability on all aspects, at all elevations.
South facing(where actual snow exists) and off aspects continue the melt freeze process with mild temperatures.
Shady aspects are developing a well defined, weakening facet layer at and near the ground.
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