Mammoth Area - Sherwins- 8-10" low density snow

There was around 5” of new snow this morning at the old mammoth trailhead. New snow depths were greater as you got above 9000ft in the 8-10” range. There was no wind slab to speak of off the top of the ridge; ski cutting and hand pits did not reveal anything concerning mid-morning to noon. It was snowing about 1cm/hr and practically was dead calm for the first half of the day.  Before heading out today I believed there may be a bit more wind loading in the leeward of ridgeline, but found not much more than slightly deeper deposits of 16” right adjacent to the ridge and below old cornice lines. The deeper snow just under ridgeline was a bit denser (4F) while the rest of the new snow was quite light (F). Excellent skiing above 9200ft; below that the temperature crust could be felt not far below the surface.

Given the apparent lack of wind during last night's storm, the new snow was more stable than anticipated where we traveled today (below and at treeline). Loose snow sloughing (and mostly managebale at that) was the primary concern during our up and down travels. The alpine zone was completely obscured today but probably saw a bit more snow and potentially more wind effect. Did not observe any natural avalanches or other signs of instability today.

25F @ 1145am @ 9900ft; 1cm/hour snowfall, non-existent winds, very calm.

Cool hoar frost on the trees today!