Nice warm sunny day.
I took the ski bus to Alta. First bus never showed, second bus was 20 minutes late. That limited route selection.
Decided a one and done would work. Looked like Toledo bowl had gained enough snow for the up track. From the pass I could see the traffic
in the Cardiac ridge area. Plenty of kick turns with, no actual trail to the ridge which made my route choice a +.
Descent was holy Toledo. Variable snow on entry, shallow snow, wind scoured and stiff. A little lower, a traverse led to good consistent wind pack powder for a thousand vertical. I'll take it!
December 23
A series of storms in the forecast, best to have a look around. Caught the bus again, returning to Alta. Only a few minutes late.
Warm temperatures had melted significant snow followed by an angry inch + cooler. Ascent was to Cardiff pass.
Tricky snow requiting ski crampons for the final pitch. Visibility was very poor with fog. Descent from the pass, short up to the eyebrow,
descended west facing, out.
Challenging, variable snow till Georges run out with the road buff.
Evaluation
Cooler temperatures had seized up mid and lower elevation snow on the shady side. Upper elevation has been hit with wind from several
directions, loading and scouring.
Instability in the uppers will be a guessing game. 2' of new snow is suggested from the first storms so things will defiantly get more interesting.