Optimistic on Ellis

Toured up Mt Ellis from Bear Canyon. I was surprised at how non-wind affected the snow was after yesterday's strong winds from E-W. Cornice buildup on the ridge was minimal, soft snow was still on the surface, and the trees along the ridge to the summit still held snow. I dug a quick pit on a NE aspect at 8260', looking for buried surface hoar and/or near surface facets. Found about 8" of fresh snow on top of a right-side-up snowpack. ECTX. About 2.5' down, I found rounding facets. While I may not have found persistent weak layers in my snow pit, I suspect there are locations where SH/NSF are still preserved. Dig down and see what is going on underneath your feet, before committing to any steep slopes.