Quick report
After having our fill of bratwurst and dogs (the pet kind) in the Independence Mine parking lot we drove below the clouds and finally felt inspired enough to take a lap on Stair Step NW. Thankfully the river did not shut down our endeavor as it was still closed enough to cross and hike alongside to the snow machine trail. As expected it is full spring conditions at these low elevations with the south bank of the trail melted out and a few alderes thawing out in our path. Travel was still quite nice with the packed trail supporting our weight and off trail travel not causing too much sink in the isothermal snow. At 2000' the slushy surface turned into 3'' of hot pow and we continued up the ridge. Across the valley the debris of a D1 wet loose came into view near Punk Spines at ~3800 on a SW aspect. We transitioned at 3580' for a sticky descent on the hot pow before having pretty fun and surprisingly smooth and shreddable turns when the slush started at 2000'. The final approach ski was a fun luge track just keep an eye out for the occasional alder waiting to catch your edge. If you want a final lap on Stair Step make sure to do it soon with impending break up of the river and shallow base waiting to completly melt out.
Avalanche
D1 wet loose ~3800' on a SW aspect near punk spines