May 12 , 2005, Carson Pass,CA

After departing the Virginia Lakes area, we drove north and headed west towards Sonora Pass.  It was gated just past the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare facility.  Saw a lot of young men with hair shorter than mine.  Returned to 395 and headed west towards Monitor Pass which was open.  Camped along the road and got a late start on the 12th because someone was on a wildflower field trip.  Finally crossed Monitor Pass and determined there are not any ski objectives along this pass.  Took the cutoff to Ebbetts Pass and continued about 7 miles to another gate and again there were no ski objectives on the open section.  Continued to Carson Pass at 85000 feet and there was plenty of snow and ski terrain. All of our ski tours at Carson have been on the north side towards Red Lake Peak.  This time we would tour on the south side of the road towards Elephant Back, East Bowl, Roundtop Mt.(Moon Crescent Chute), The Sisters, Fourth of July Peak and Winnemucca Lake(sounds like a Garrison Keiler location).  We left the camper at noon and it was warm. It was apparent that the northern Sierras also received a foot of new snow during the week. Needless to say, the snow was unconsolidated.  We decided to get some exercise and tour to Elephant Back.  As we approached the slope, it was obvious the snow was melting fast and there would only be a few days left before the main face would be melted out. The snow pack on East Bowl, Roundtop and The Sisters appeared excellent.  The views from the top of Elephant Back are great.  We could look over to the Forestdale Creek drainage where we had our extended tour with the Sierra Club about 5 weeks ago.  We could see Kirkwood and there was lots of coverage on Red Lake Peak and descents to the highway on the back side were still available.  We descended in unconsolidated slush and the SLUSH QUEEN thought it was OK.  It is apparent altitude affects some folks differently.  I think we will attempt a little earlier start tomorrow.  Zap