Relay Ridge

Having had some curiosity about the depth and structure of the snow hanging on in this section of the Big Holes, I went for a long tour up to the base of Relay Ridge, before bailing due to difficult travel.  4-6 inches of dense, warmed-and-refrozen snowfall exists up to ~8,000 feet.  Warmer temperatures have consolidated most low and middle-elevation snowpacks other than the highest locations in NW-N-NE-E aspects, where I observed dry snow still moving. Above 8,000 feet, variable snow coverage ranging from 1.5 to 2 feet deep (HS 40-65cm) can be found, with faceted snow near the base of the snowpack. Overall, warm conditions have encouraged strengthening of this weaker snow, especially given that much of the alpine terrain tops out in the middle-elevation band here.  Shady, steep terrain above 8,000 feet should be regarded cautiously whenever incoming snowfall and wind are on the docket.