Quick report
We found solidly refrozen snow conditions, which made for somewhat challenging conditions for skinning up the steep slopes of Hell Canyon. We used and needed ski crampons the whole way. Crampons and ice axes would have also worked well, with potential for long falls and slide-for-life situations..
the coverage and access from Maple Bench is quite good for this time of year..
Snowpack
The snow was well frozen and hard as a rock in the early morning. It softened just enough for decent corn conditions by around 10:00.