Swan Rangers approach Krause Basin under foreboding skies. (Keith Hammer photos)

Ten Swan Rangers snowshoed a foreboding Krause Basin on Saturday, March 16, 2013!

Their trek would reveal mountain lion tracks, the scant remains of a snowshoe hare, and melting snow bridges!

Three would make it to the upper crossing of North Krause Creek and back to the car as heavy rains began.

The snow bridge over South Krause Creek is diminishing but passable . . .

. . . but there were no volunteers to test the lower snow bridge over North Krause Creek!

The upper snow bridge over North Krause Creek is holding its own; for the time being.

These remains of a snowshoe hare don't include a lucky rabbit's foot! Wingtip marks in the snow nearby suggest it was nabbed by a goshawk.

A very bad photo of a very nice mountain lion track!

The Swan Rangers meet every Saturday at the Echo Lake Cafe for breakfast at 8:30, leaving at 9:30 for a partial day outing in the northern Swan Mountains and foothills.

They carpool from the Swan River School parking lot next to the Cafe.

Everyone is welcome!