Quick report
Headed up Trapper Peak today to take a look at how conditions are in the area and enjoy some nice views. Was able to drive all the way to the summer trailhead (~4 inches of snow on the road at the trailhead). Snowpack is essentially nonexistent below ~4,000 feet, with only marginal skinning terrain until I reached the gentler basins at ~4,300 feet, south of the Thornton Lakes-Trapper Peak trail junction. At 5,000 feet, on a sheltered, south-facing slope, there was 2-3 feet of snow on the ground. I was able to skin all the way to the summit of Trapper Peak with care except for a short section of bootpacking around 5,300. Besides a day-old few roller balls where trees had shed their snow, I saw no signs of instability. The snow was extremely soft, wet, and heavy below 5,000 feet, with a breakable crust at higher elevations making for unpleasant skiing conditions. Once onto the ridge above treeline, I found strong and gusty winds, as forecast, which made for a chilly but gorgeous sunset despite the warm air temperature.