Observation from Tallac

Toured in the Cathedral Bowl zone of Tallac. Found firm mostly firm snow below 7500 feet in the morning hours. East and SE slopes from 9400 and down softened by noon and provided enjoyable descending conditions. Developing sun cups were present on the broad low angle south facing ridge leading up to Tallac's summit, but it was not as pronounced as I observed yesterday near Carson Pass. 

Photo 1: Near tree line north facing terrain around 8000 feet still held some cold wintry snow. We avoided higher elevation north facing terrain, but it appeared to consist of small windows of soft snow with larger areas of firm wind scoured and wind packed surfaces. Several of my photos of the north facing terrain in this area feature a bright glare from the shiny snow reflecting the sun. 

Photo 2: Steep north facing terrain showing a couple old crowns and evidence of wind.

Photo 3: Soft turns in the sun just after noon. Although it was possible to ski from 9400 feet to 6600 feet on continous snow, there were many obstacles poking through the snow at all elevations.