Cold front blew thru late yesterday dropping the Salt Lake highs from the lower 80s to the mid-60s (more normal temperatures). But its a sunny morning and perfect to check out the remaining snow levels in the canyon.
Driving up, the canyon is greening up --- leaves are still coming. The lower part of the canyon is free of snow. After passing the Spruces area (7500 ft) I start seeing snow on the northern side. Of course, the peaks still have plenty of snow. I start seeing snow on the ground as I reach the Solitude resort. The ski slopes are still covered in snow; just getting a bit thin at the bottom of the slope.
I'm not sure what to expect at Silver Lake (8700 ft). We've had a poor snow year but we also had a late snow year starting in mid-Feb. Usually, Silver Lake clears around the 1-2nd week of May. As I pull into a totally empty parking lot around 8:30 I realize that it'll be a snowy walk.
I confirm that when I walk to the other side of the Visitor's Center.
There's still at least 2 feet of snow probably much more in spots.
The boardwalk is covered. The lake is still iced over except an open "stream". I start off in the counter-clockwise direction following frozen foot prints and heading in the direction of a bench I can see ahead of me.
I soon reach the bench and then the bridge crossing the edge of the lake. There's a bit of open water here - I can see the ice ledge below.
I continue around reaching the opposite side of the lake. I also reach the trail up to Twin Lakes. I so want to head up there but unfortunately I just don't have the time today. :( So I just continue.
Then continuing to the shady side -- snow's much deeper here.
Seeing robins flying and see one Mountain Chickadee (but hear several of them).
I make it back in the open and over to the short creek crossing where I find a male/female Mallard;
the male laying on the snow and the female laying in some vegetation in the stream.
It's time to head out. Great stop!
