Oct 12, 2016, Russell Glacier -last trip?

Caught the last blue sky yesterday.  A ranger indicated the gate might close if they get significant snow from the current storm.  Spray Park had some snow and ice though not much, but enough to make x-c travel slow.  There were two scramblers ahead heading Obs Rock.  I chose to stay on the ridge trail to Echo and took me much longer than I anticipated through snow covered rocks.  Russell Glacier was a fine shape for skiing, ~6" wind-affected dense powder, I decided to call it "breakable powder" stiff but easily ski-able.  Stopped below 8500', skied 500', walked the rock field to ski down to the Cat Eye.  Hurried down the trail reaching my car at 7pm.  Should have started 2 hours earlier!







Let's hope for one more day of clearing with fresh snow before they close the road for the season.