Quick report
Although the journey up the commonwealth was filled with “adventure”, it was better than expected. The day started out cold and foggy at the Pass before burning off by 0930. Freezing fog coated many of the trees up the basin, giving a nice wintery feel. Creeks were crossable in several spots over trees. Ski crampons were a must have. In clearings, surface hoar was widespread until about 5000’ on polar aspects. Temps creeped above freezing at around 4000’ (1130 AM), but conditions remained firm up until the final approach towards Cocaine. Things were warm from there and the surface had softened up nicely by 12:30. As many know, the zone is grim: for example, Red mountain looked veeery red. The out track wasn’t great, but with careful and controlled descending, it was only lower case “h” heinous. We were honestly pleasantly surprised as the frozen surface allowed for easy sliding on the flatter portions.
Avalanche
Old wet loose debris once in the upper reaches of commonwealth and within cocaine couloir. Refrozen, bowling ball sized chunks