Quick report
Temperature at the road was -12 degrees F (fingers were crossed for an inversion). Travel, as others have said, was better than expected. The main crux was navigating under the mega glide crack on Corn Biscuit to get up valley. Approaching from the Lipps parking area or staying low in the alders could help mitigate this hazard. There didn't appear to be newly released glide cracks/avalanches since the 12/9 and 12/13 observations in this area, but plenty to look at. Surface conditions on the ascent/descent varied greatly, with pockets of breakable/punchy snow mixed with powder and supportable crust skiing. Observed old glide releases as well as unreleased glide cracks. Touchy wind slabs up near the ridge line of Pastoral Pk (apprx. 4250ft) were breaking underfoot into dinner-plate sized chunks.
Snowpack
Dug a snowpit at 3300ft on a SSW aspect. Height of snow was over 320cm at this location. ECTN9, 30cm down.