Palouse Divide and East Dennis Conditions

Headed up to Palouse Divide today. The conditions were suitable for skiing all the way up from the parking area but not skiing back down. The conditions are still very thin up to the actual Dennis Mountain Loop. The real fun was near the East/West Dennis saddle.



Mt. Dennis loop. 4'' of snow/no base



Near the East/West Dennis Saddle

I did four laps near the saddle in about four inches of low density powder.  The lighting and passing snowstorms were amazing all afternoon.
  



West Dennis

Turning is fun!



Its seemed like there were quite a few people on the South side of the highway. I think the trails on that side would be better for traditional cross-country skiing. I ended up walking about a mile or so down the road because it was to thin to ski down. It was snowing very hard up there as I was leaving. I think by the end of the week grooming the trails will be in order.

I'll be heading up to ski somewhere tomorrow so I will post a report on that tomorrow evening.  It looks like we are in for some serious snow this week. Time to wax up those powder skis!

If you get out this weekend be sure to read the latest avalanche advisories from the Panhandle National Forest Avalanche Center and the West Central Montana Avalanche Center. This new snow will surely increase the avalanche danger.  Also, be sure to remember you can submit observations or guest trip reports at palousebackcountry@gmail.com. Have fun and be safe!