A storm early last week added ice and snow to the snowpack which resulted in a heavy crust of frozen precipitation on top of the previous layers and a thin layer of new snow on top of the ice. The resulting surface easily supports coyotes and smaller animals as well as walking deer. But running deer break through the crust into the deep snow.The coyotes have been successfully taking advantage of the conditions in their pursuit of deer. In addition to the coyotes and deer, fox, porcupine and squirrels are active. The deer have abandoned the higher elevations and are herding together. The snowpack is excellent for off trail snowshoeing, though less suited for back country cross country skiing. The storm produced little ice at lower elevations but a significant coating at elevations above 2000 feet.