Quick report
The weather was consistent with the weather forecast. Temperatures were warm when we got to the trailhead at 1030 and cooled off slightly with the increasing winds in the afternoon. We observed variable snow surfaces. Some melt on lower solar aspects at lower elevations (8k ish and lower) Soft faceted snow in protected northerly trees, wind sculpted snow with some surface faceting on ridges, and a thin melt freeze on facet snow in flatter areas that could see the sun. The alpine was so wind hammered there were patches of the Jan 3 rain crust showing through. The crust under the facets was supportable. We were cautious to avoid firm conditions in fear of a runaway sled and avoided going up to Lost Lakes because of this.