January 17, 2009, Kendall Peak Lakes

Saturday, January 17.  Good skinning on hard crust up to Kendall Ridge but did not break out of the clouds until about 4,100 feet.  Once above the clouds the views were bright and clear.  We dug a pit to the ground on the south-facing slope above Upper Kendall Peaks Lake.  The snow pack was about 4 1/2 feet deep and more-or-less uniform with large wet grains. There were firmer layers about 6 inches, 2 1/2 feet and 3 1/2 feet above the ground.  The hill was covered with slough but no signs of recent avalanches. By 2:45, the open slope in the sun had softened up for good turns - still crusty in the shade.  Hard crust all the way down the road.