Started out taking the trail until about 7,500' where the snow coverage allowed me to just follow the ridge. Between 7K' and 8K' there was 3"-8" of snow and above 8,500' there was about 1' of nice consolidated snow. Didn't look like we got any new snow from that last storm. It must have rained up there, but I think it helped consolidate the snow.
The clouds were amazing. Seemed like the wind was keeping the clouds from pushing over the ridge. The whole way up there was a wall of clouds on the east side of the ridge, and clear sky's to the north and west.
Above 9000' there was rime ice in most of the trees near the ridge. Temps were around 30 with a cold wind blowing on top. Very pleasant day with great views of the desert. I was expecting the weather to be much worse after what I drove through to get to the trail head.
Got back to the car at 12. I didn't see a single person all day. When I got back to the trail head I was shocked to find that my car was still the only one in the parking lot! It was nice having a whole mountain to myself!
More pictures here: http://picasaweb.google.com/markspicccs/BadenPowell#
