Today was a perfect day to get out in the snow, given it was the one day break in the precipitation forecast. That also means the trail condition report has a limited time applicability.
Currently, there is 8" of snow at the SR 20 plowed pullout for Cutthroat Rd. At the summer trailhead, there is 10" of snow, and at the lake there is 16" of snow. The current forecast is about 12" of snow in the next 48 hrs.
The Cutthroat Road has not been groomed since the last snowfall, but there is a ski track to follow. I was able to pack the recent snow on the snowshoe track.
The trail track has been somewhat compacted by both ski and snowshoe traffic. The recent snow put about 3" of new snow in the track. As I was the first one on the trail today, I was able to enjoy a smooth snowshoe trip in the 3" of new snow.
The trail to the day use area at the lake had been partially packed, but the creek crossing was a snow-covered rock hop! I decided to just stay on the west side of the creek and go on to the lake, where I stomped out a platform to sit, eat, and enjoy the view.
On the way out, I took a very short side trip up the trail toward Cutthroat Pass to see what the 1st creek crossing looked like. It was also a snow-covered rock hop. Prior to the latest snow, someone had successfully made it across and continued on toward the pass.
I decided to head back to the car and was glad I had started early. The sun was melting the snow on the trees, causing local drip showers and wetting down the snow, which contributed to snow buildup on the bottom of my snowshoes when not under the trees!
On my way out. I met 2 groups of skiers coming up the trail and one more group at the pullout.
At the summer trailhead, the vault toilet is open with TP. The area near the doors has been cleared so they open.
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