Section 3 report and conditions

[sambartlett]

Two of us skied Section 3 (Somerset Dam to Rt 9) N to S Saturday 2/2 after the ice storm. We found a supportive soft wet crust with fluff on top at Somerset Dam, which morphed into a sometimes-breakable soft crust with a little new sleet underneath. Fast but controllable, noisy by Rt 9. The wet spots were mostly covered, the stream crossings were manageable with skis on, the short notorious stream bed section was rough and best walked by less than expert skiers. A cold spell may make the crust firmer but that shouldn't hurt since it isn't glassy. In spite of a few new blow-downs the trail is in good shape. Pray for snow!