Hot afternoon at Forestdale Divide

Hot and sunny at Forestdale Divide this afternoon, though surface softening appeared limited to the top 2-3" of snow. Snowmobile and boot penetration were never observed to be deeper.

A few recent but very small wet loose avalanches were seen around Forestdale Divide, on aspects facing the northern half of the compass. 

Pic 1: Open water at 8800ft. The most obvious route between Forestdale Divide and Cole Bowl (AKA Boarder Bowl) required side-hilling above it. Better options exist at lower elevations due to more consistent snow coverage.

Pics 2-4: Recent but very small wet loose avalanches, and roller balls.

Non-avalanche info: Blue Lakes Road has significant dry pavement. I confirmed with the Humboldt Toiyabe NF that the seasonal snowmobile closure from Red Lake has been lifted, even though the signs remain at the trailhead. However, linking Forestdale Divide to Upper Blue Lake appeared challenging due to low snow on the sunny aspects that the road follows. Routes remain from Forestdale Divide down to Blue Lakes Road via Cole Bowl (Boarder Bowl), but they may not last long up high, where January and February winds redistributed snow. There was more snow near and below treeline than above, and linking Red Lake Road to Blue Lakes Road will probably last longer down low.