Saturday, April 22, 2006.

Went to ski or snowshoe the Woods Creek Loop at Chimney Park.  After
seeing conditions, we ended up walking the loop without skis or snow
shoes.  About 90% of the trail was covered with packed snow, and has not
been groomed for some time.  Dry spots were common in sunny areas.  Had
we skied, a few forced marches of 20-30 yards would have been necessary,
but most dry patches could have been avoided. Skiing is still a
reasonable activity up there, but probably not for many more weeks.
Snow was soft and slushy, but most places could be walked on without
breaking through.  Snow depth ranged from 0 to 3 ft.  There were 4
vehicles in the Chimney Park lot, not including ours.  These were from
Cheyenne and likely associated with a small group of Boy Scouts at the
Lodge.  No other hikers/snowshoers/skiers were observed on the trails.
Weather was sunny and clear.  Avalanche danger low, sunburn danger high.