Quick report
Recent snow above 8k ranged from 7-10" and settled significantly on W-S-E aspects. Strong solar yesterday formed a thin, breakable melt freeze crust on all aspects except N-NE which held high quality preserved powder. We did not travel above 9.5k due to poor visibility. Low level clouds were thick with overcast skies building early in the day. We observed enough wind effect above 9k along leeward ridgelines that could have formed shallow slabs. We avoided potential wind loaded slopes.
The January drought layer produced unstable results. Although the likelihood of triggering has decreased thanks to time since the last loading event, the weak layer was concerning. We found large, well-preserved surface hoar buried beneath 2-3' hard slabs.
Snowpack
The late Feb rain crust exists up to ~8,100'.
8700' NE aspect: ECTP27, PST 25/100 End failing on surface hoar buried 75cm. Surface hoar was impressively large, well preserved, and laid down. Faceted January snow beneath was rounding and 4F hard. Main concern was the surface hoar.