Snow Report 12/11

Some moving snow today.  Wind was the main factor in snow quality at Gash Point and Sweathouse Canyon.  Most north and east aspects were heavily wind loaded.  We were able to kick off some wind slabs up to 6" deep, most did not run far.

Other snow we found ranged from bullet proof crust to powder, chalky wind packed powder, and some terriable isothermal snow.  Under 7000' we were skiing and breaking trail in baseless heavy snow up to our knees.   The last storm came in with cold powder followed by rapid warming, on the way out a sun crust was already forming on top of this down low.  Still a lot of great skiing to be had with plenty of good coverage above 6500.

A great tour, found best snow today in the popular Gash South bowl.  Nearly 8000' of vertical linking Gash Proper, Sweathouse Canyon, and the popular Gash South.  All trail breaking.  Making me too tired to write a trip report.  This is one of my favorite tours long tours, look forward to a detailed report when I can give it the time it deserves.  

P.S.  

Although there was hoar frost at Lolo Pass, I did not see any hoar frost before this storm at Camas, and have reports from other spots in the bitterroot with no hoar.

Note crown at knee level

Did not run far