On the south facing slopes, at lower altitudes (observed between 8800-9500 ft) there appeared to be a much better base (where there is decent snow cover). There appeared to be an ice base, with consolidating storm snow on top, that appeared to have better bonding than I observed elsewhere. I observed significant warming over the day- enough to cause a melt and refreeze by evening. I observed some thin sun crusts inconsistently.

However, all of this was only true up to about 9600 ft or so. Above that, I found the same unconsolidated junk to the ground I observed at Trial Lake, and Fehr Lake, even in direct south facing sun. There were no clearly discernible layers. This is presently annoying, and has the potential to become very problematic. This might resolve with a heating cycle, or it might cause people who dig a pit at a lower attitude than they ski or ride, to make an inaccurate assessment later in the season.