May 18, 2008, Crystal/Silver Basin

Brenda and I took a quick trip up to Crystal today to see if there was any snow that hadn't turned to mush. Arrived at the lot at 8:30 to 43F. Skinning up quicksilver the snow was much firmer than expected, there was actually some frozen surface in the shade near the tree line. Skied the two gullies on the sides of peak 6796. Snow was perfect for booting - kicking steps sank only 3 - 4 inches deep. Skiing was decent, but getting sticky quick. Northwest aspects were best. We gave up at around noon. Very few signs of slide activity, just a few pt releases near Sourdough Gap, and defintely not the knee deep mush I was expecting.