Carson Pass Observation

Toured around Fourth of July Lake today. As forecast, temperatures were warm and sunny slopes were soft by 10am. I saw small wet loose activity in response to turns on steep south facing slopes. While obstacles are growing, adequate snow coverage remains for touring in this area on some sunny slopes but others are completely bare. North facing slopes are a mix of chalky surface with firm underneath and straight firm conditions, with many different winds patterns as well. While skinning back up from Fourth of July Lake the sound of rushing water under the snow was impressively loud for February. 

Photo 1: Looking towards the south faces of the Carson Pass area with Caples Lake in front, L-R: Little Roundtop, Black Butte, then Stevens and Red Lake Peak

Photo 2: This photo doesn't really capture how overhung the snow was here. I'm assuming a wind and differential melting combo.

Photo 3: Looking south at the north faces around Mokelumne Peak (on the right) and a slice of Bear Valley. 

Photo 4: The south and west face of the Sisters.

Photo 5: Roughly 4 cm boot penetration on a flat aspect next to Fourth of July Lake at 11:30am. 

Photo 6: Looking up at the varied coverage on the east bowl of Peak 9795 next to Melissa Coray Peak. 

Photo 7: The more west facing this generally south facing terrain was, the more roughly textured the snow surface was.