Coverage in the vicinity of Molas and Coal Bank Passes is well connected on northerly slopes above and near treeline. Slopes facing more southerly have spotty coverage near treeline and are connected in cross-loaded gullies above treeline. While the snowpack is shallow, it is supportive to ski pressure.

Molas and Coal Bank Passes

As I exited the mountains, the first notable precipitation was hitting the ground from Storm #3 of the season. Storm #1 began October 18th with favored areas, including Red Mountain, Molas, and Coal Bank Passes, picking up between 1.9 and 2.4 inches of water. After the storm, warm weather melted out all but northerly slopes near and below treeline. Storm #2 arrived October 28th with the same favored areas picking up between 2.1 and 2.2 inches of water. Colder temperatures, shorter days, and continuing precipitation suggest that the snow that's on the ground is here to stay.

In the areas travelled, the snow on the ground consists of round grains and is dense and supportable to ski pressure. A weak melt-freeze crust has developed near the top in open areas.

My mountain outing began with spots of orographic snow and cloudy skies. Visibility diminished early afternoon and S1 snow picked up around 3pm. Storm arrived warm with limited precipitation sticking on the pass roads.