February 15, 2004, Castle Saddle, MRNP

Longmire gate opened shortly after 9 am. We were the first party of the day to climb to Castle Saddle. We took one run N almost back to Reflection Lake. Returned to the Saddle and took a long run S. Returned to the Saddle and exited (4200-4800 vf for the day). Skiing was demanding near the Saddle (wind affected) and generally good elsewhere with about 6 inches newish with a fair bond to a crust. This crust started to weaken about 5200' on S aspects. We triggered nothing, but there had been a large avalanche (N facing slopes, starting about 6000') recently in the Sunshine Creek drainage. There were a couple of other parties, but fresh snow for all.