Variable Snowpack Conditions

On our way up the main fork we noticed a drastic increase in snow depth, and wind effect with elevation. The height of snow was around 50-70cm near 9500 ft/treeline, though we were walking anywhere below 8200 ft. As well, the effects of the wind during the week were very noticeable once near treeline, with some ENE aspects sheltering a 3-4 inch wind slab, which we also noticed in the lee of the many rocks and saplings still above the snow surface. Our pit (dug in a location without this windslab, but still loaded) showed a decently sound structure with good test results.

A separate party mentioned that they had seen the remnants of an avalanche higher in the bowl near the summer trail, but we did not go this high and did not see it ourselves.