Behind but not forgotten!
Back in March I drove to the Tushar Range, about three hours east of here in Ely. It had been a lean snow season there too, but the forecast looked good with between 18" and 24" predicted.
A smaller front passed through the night before the bigger storm was due leaving a few inches. I went for an assessment tour near the Eagle Point ski area. Windy and cold, with the new snow deposited in lee zones. Holly Peak back left and Lake Peak right.
Zoom shot of Holly.
I made it up to the east shoulder of Lake Peak with views of City Peak low. With strong winds and low temps I didn't linger!
Found surprisingly good skiing here. There was a firm, but smooth base below the new snow fortunately.
Two days before the forecasted storm the snow predictions began to weaken. The day before they bottomed out altogether! The story of the season. Here's the scene at the condo that morning.
I was really hoping for a swell powder day or two at the ski resort, but no. Rode the lifts anyhow. Fairly fun for a couple of hours but disappointing for sure.
Mt Grafton is a distinct peak visible from Ely in the southern end of the Schell Creek Range. Out riding I was glancing down there and thinking "dang, that looks skiable!" Had to give it a go.
I drove to the trailhead at the wilderness boundary and quickly got this view. The actual summit is behind the subpeak dead center. I followed the drainage far right then hooked around to the north side of the peak itself.
For a good while the hiking was pleasant, first on an old road, then on a decent trail.
After a little bushwhacking and log hopping I finally arrived at continuous snow. Funky isothermal mush.I could generally stay on top with skis on but hiking was post hole hell.
I was able to get into the large bowl north of the peak. Lots of avalanche destruction! The skiing here was better than it looks with large swaths of good, supportable corn. I eventually ended up in the left avalanche chute.
Up in the avalanche path the snow was wet and thick. The possibility of a wet slide was significant, so I turned around a little above here.
Looking up from my turn around point. Sweet terrain. Dangerous snow!
Had a good run through the avalanche destruction zone and down here in this burn area.
Skis off here. I was able to piece together snow free patches with only a little annoying post holing.
Sweet meadows and a gurgling creek made for a pleasing exit. During a better year with more snow coverage this slope would provide better access to the bowl and fun skiing. Not this year!
Long day. Lots of hiking. Still quite satisfying! I'll be back.