May 21, 2011, Navaho Pk

Three of us toured up Stafford Crk to Navaho. Trail is clear to about 4000', then sudden transition to continuous snow from there on out. We really haven't seen this kind of coverage for several years, and it's usually a couple weeks earlier.  Little trouble with the creek crossings and none of the tedious connecting of snow patches we normally experience. Weather cooperated until just before the summit, then mostly socked in for the rest of the day. Started snowing big flakes just as we left. Got a short view down the northeast side, lots of snow but doesn't look like it's ready yet. Kind of wet new snow just below the summit on that side. Once we found it, we skied the blaze down the south side. Snow was a bit mushy, but didn't ski too bad, as pole penetration was only a few inches. I'll bet things will really improve in the next week or two.