12/13/14 Heliotrope

Road clear to trailhead, Trail was in good shape, creek crossings easily manageable with careful steps.  Not too muddy/icy.  Snow/bootpack began at the junction of the climbers trail up Hogs back. At least a dozen folks out lapping the top 800' or so from the saddle at about 7k. Sunny, cool in the shade, not too windy. Great top layer of 2 or so soft inches that was well bonded to the firm base -rode very smooth.  Wasn't quite as fun lower than that, light breakable crusty top coating and an occasional sprinkling of death cookies to weave through. Chatted with a splitboarder who booted up to the summit without crampons, he reported good turns on the upper mountain.

Super fun day out, great surfing in a gorgeous area!