First, before you ask, we do not yet have enough snow to open.  This past storm cycle came through as predicted with pretty heavy rain on Sunday afternoon followed by 3″ of dense snow Sunday night with another 2″ falling on Monday.  I went out for a tour this morning to check out how the mountain looked and while it was hard to see too far with the fog hanging around, it was great to feel snow under the skis.  With a 7″ base I was choosing my line carefully and sticking to the grassy slopes.  With that being said, I was impressed with the coverage and the mountain is in a very positive place for the first week of November.  Remember to pick up your uphill pass before you go out for any tour at Monarch, use caution, and stay safe out there.