Heading up to Silver Lake this morning to see how much snow has melted. With the recent warm temperatures, the runoff has really begun - streams are high/fast/cold and roaring - so hopefully maybe I'll see boardwalk.
Driving up Big Cottonwood canyon, the creek is incredible - tons of white water!
There is definitely a lot more open ground at the higher elevations but still bunches of snow.
I arrive at Silver Lake and it's 28 degrees, sunny with a cold north wind. And there's no snow berm to climb to be level with the lake. Still a lot of snow but at least on the way to the footbridge, the boardwalk is now clear.
At the bridge and stop to look for trout (or anything). No trout this morning.
I work my way around the lake stopping to watch the Mallards resting on the ice.
I get to the corner, climb over a large fallen tree trunk and continue over the snow trying to find the trail to Twin Lakes. At one point, I just start up the frozen snow in search of it and success! I put on my micro -spikes and head up.
Most of the trees have not started to leaf out
but there's one patch of lime green - nice!
I reach the switchback and head across enjoying the views
and looking for Pika. (No luck on the Pika but I thought I heard one.)
I reach the other side and stand there trying to decide or not I want to head up to Twin Lakes. It's steep but the snow is frozen and I have spikes. And there's some footprints heading up. But I decide to wait.
Time to head down and over to the dock. The lake here is frozen
And there are ducks walking over the icy lake - I suppose looking for open water.
I head back the way I came over the footbridge. The swallows are going crazy trying to get what looks like a feather from the water. I assume they want it for nesting but none are being successful. But it's really fun to watch!
It's still early, so I decide to head over to the Little Cottonwood Trail and get close up with this year's run-off.
Sunny and mid-60s. I'm just heading to the 2nd bridge to see the extent of the run-off.
Along the way, I see a few Juba Skippers
and a male Checkered White.
I can hear the water roaring and I get to actually see it when I reach the first bridge - wow!
East facing side of bridge
West facing
I continue up to the 2nd bridge. The trail is muddy now due to a tiny stream flowing down the trail.
There of Solomon Seal blooming and the Thimbleberry getting close.
I reach the 2nd bridge (my stopping point).
Pretty awesome! And there's more to come.
Time to head back.
I'm almost to my car when I see a Spring Azure.
Good day!
