Relatively Cold temps at trailhead (12 F) gave way to balmy, sunny conditions at 5500’. Winds kept temps lower once we got into more exposed terrain above 6,000’.
Winds were calm on the approach. Medium to Large surface hoar and near surface facets were widespread in the creek bottoms up to 6,000’.
We ascended a 30 degree south facing slope beginning at 6,000' on a stout melt freeze crust that remained consistent to 7800'. Punched through the crust in spots at upper elevations revealing the weak, shallow snowpack.
By the time (~1530) we were back down the south face, the sun had began to soften the crust enough to make for fun skiing.
Winds were steady at ~20mph and keeping the south aspect snow surface cool. Minimal snow available for transport today, but large cornices have formed on the leeward side of the flathead crest in that area.
On our descent back into the drainage we ran into chunks of ice that had fallen from the south facing ice falls. Likely from the warmer days prior. Observed a few smaller wet point releases from days prior as well on south aspects.
