Quick report
It was a beautiful morning, and the Pass was relatively busy for midweek. Low-density snow was found almost everywhere we traveled, with convex features, exposed upper elevations, and the base of cliffs showing some slight signs of wind-effect. A thin wind skin was observed on the surface at upper elevations but was easily pushed aside while making turns. Excellent ski quality with steep features producing loose avalanches that grew to maybe size D1.5. Some deep and arduous trail breaking in the Friendlies area.
Speaking of trail breaking - the skin track up the Phantom may have been one of the worst I've experienced. And that's saying a lot for that piece of terrain.
Weather
Blue skies in a sea of clouds to start the day. By noon, clouds had pushed out the blue and light snow showers had begun. Minimal wind except a few light gusts in exposed areas at upper elevations.
Snowpack
Snow depth over the 2/24 interface increased significantly with elevation. It was a foot or less at lower elevations and over 2 1/2 feet where I dug near the standard Thunder Creek exit (5240').
There were some mid-storm interfaces that were continually highlighted with snowpack tests but did not show signs of propagation. The same could be said for the bond at the 2/24 interface.
I did find rounding facets just above the EFC, which showed inconsistent results in snowpack tests.
On our exit, the snow was much heavier at lower elevations as the warm-up began. Even though it was snowing, it was quite moist.
Avalanche
We triggered a few sizeable dry loose avalanches on steep slopes.