Red Lake Peak

Spring like  conditions in the Red Lake area today. At the trailhead @ 7400' there was a very strong overnight refreeze that occurred last night. On the ascent surface conditions were in and out of soft wet snow, and frozen supportable snow while traveling the terrain.  I dug a pit at 8800 feet on a North aspect just above Crater lake. The upper 120 cms was consistent with 1F all the way through. No remarkable results in any tests. As the day progressed the snow continued to get softer and softer and even punchy in areas, with up to boot top penetration below 8000'. Above tree line terrain in the surrounding area was pretty wind affected on the North aspects. I rode the S/SE face towards Hope valley on the way out. Ski conditions were creamy and fast. While traveling out, I observed small pinwheels developing off steep slopes below 8000'.