Bishop Pass

 Yesterday was one of those days that almost didn't happen. I woke up late. Didn't have any partners much less a plan, but I eventually decided to head up to Lake Sabrina for a peek since the road crew had recently cleared the road all the way to the dam.

Lake Sabrina wasn't inviting, so I headed back over to the South Fork. The road is still closed at Parcher's, so I put on the walking shoes and pounded pavement up to the dam.

 At least the scenery is kinda nice on the way up!

This is the view from the parking area. The lake still seems safe to travel on, but it's starting to look sketchy in spots.

Patches are forming in the meadows. Vegetation is showing and will soon be greening up. Springtime!

Long Lake (far) and Spearhead Lake (near). Travel on the lakes up here is safe, efficient, and beautiful.

Mt Not Goode above the Timberline Tarns

One reason for heading up towards Bishop Pass was to scope out coverage on the south side of Mt Goode (right of center). Looks thin.

The snow surveyors cabin below the lakes. Sweet gig.

Mt Aggasiz and Bishop Pass. I headed up the broad snowfield to the right.

I was pleased to find up to 6" of new snow over smooth windboard up here.

Not exactly powder skiing but still super fun.

The clouds built slightly in the afternoon providing stunning light.

I again did the short climb to the shoulder of Mt Hurd and found good skiing down to the summer trail bridge at around 10080'. It's key to find the aspects that have gotten sun. Even a few degrees of the compass can make all the difference.

Getting patchy the last few hundred feet above the lake with a couple of dry spots. Small price for a truly memorable day. Glad I rallied.