Quick report
Sunny but cool day w consistently mild easterly winds on Climbers Trail ascent to Palmer. Kept underfoot surfaces cool and stable. Did notice (wind) slabby structure of large treewell just above climbers lot. On lowish angle (25-30deg) fall lines, no signs of instability underfoot during ski/skin and multiple pole probes before and during descent of Zigzag glacier to/thru MSHC west gully to 6250’ and skin back up SE gully. That said, steered well clear of much higher angle east/west gully walls, including near end of ascent when fall line tightened under enormous cornice structure (around 7800’). Also forced to risk mitigate reascent by threading debris toes on west w large risky walls on east. Near west facing lip, did notice small wind slab formation, but unsurprising given observed wind transport from very recent easterly transport of previously fallen snow. Also, beware travel hazard “pits” very near Timberline boundary on Zigzag glacier.
Avalanche
Multiple easterly-facing D1.5-2+ Loose Wet under rocky outcrops/walls of MSHC SE gully and lower Zigzag Canyon (5-7K’ elevation)