Quick report
Conditions changed drastically from yesterday. The solid freeze overnight impacted the upper portion of the snowpack. The depth of the freeze varied by aspect, elevation, and slope angle ranging from ~1-2+ feet deep. This created supportable snow for travel. By the afternoon the snow surfaces were breaking down on E-S aspects above 8,000' with boot penetration up to ~6-8" during peak warming. North facing terrain stayed firm. Overall, the snowpack has undergone so much heating the last week that the snow was fairly stable even with the light/variable wind (a rarity this winter), mostly clear skies, and warm temperartures (low-high 30s at Surprise Pinnacle). We departed around 14:00.
Isolated terrain exists in the alpine where steep slopes with snow above rock slabs did not undergo a solid freeze. Larger avalanches could be a concern on these slopes without consecutive freezes overnight. We found deep, unconsolidated boot penetration in the alpine on this more technical terrain.
Pay attention to overnight temperatures through the weekend warming trend. Fingers crossed we get some cold snow and colder temps early next week.
Small wet loose avalanches were a concern only on very steep terrain by the afternoon. We did not see any naturals or human triggers.